The Judiciary

When speaking of judges as a group, we refer to them as the judiciary. There are many different levels of judges, but their basic function is the same. Their main role is to make decisions in respect of disputes. This they must do in a fair, unbiased way, applying the law and following the legal procedure of England and Wales. 

The judiciary is divided into what are known as ‘superior’ judges (those in the High Court and above) and ‘inferior’ judges (those in the lower courts). This distinction affects training, work and, in particular, the terms on which they hold office. 

Superior judges are those who sit in the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal and the High Court. The Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) and the Queen’s Bench Divisional Court all hear criminal appeals. The superior judges in these appellate courts are:

• the Justices of the Supreme Court 
• the Lord Justices of Appeal in the Court of Appeal 
• High Court Judges in the Queen’s Bench Divisional Court
• The head of the judiciary is the Lord Chief Justice.

 The inferior judges who largely hear criminal trials include: 

• Circuit judges who sit in the Crown Court 
• Recorders who are part-time judges who sit in the Crown Court 
• District Judges (Magistrates’ Courts)