Bar comments on independence of judiciary and legal profession

The crucial role of an independent judiciary and legal profession has been highlighted by Bar of Northern Ireland Chair, Sarah Ramsey BL, in relation to the ruling of the Supreme Court on the prorogation of Parliament.

“A strong and independent judiciary and legal profession are vital to ensuring that all citizens across the UK have access to justice and that the rule of law is upheld. The importance of both independent judges and legal professionals are recognised around the world in playing a fundamental role in the maintenance of the rule of law as one of the foundations of any free and democratic society.

“Our court system and judges exist so that the laws made by Parliament can be interpreted. Members of the judiciary are expected to be strictly impartial when considering how the law should be applied in any particular case and it is the court’s role to determine an appropriate course of action; a judge’s ruling is not an expression of any personal viewpoint.

“Regardless of the differing public and political opinions on the decision, the Supreme Court ruling is an important expression of the constitutional checks and balances that exist in our democracy. It remains unclear as to where the political debate will take us in the coming weeks, yet the judgment of the court has demonstrated that the judiciary and legal profession act independently and review the cases before them based on their lawfulness”.