Bar Reasserts Importance Of Judicial Independence

The Bar of NI has stated that judicial independence is the foundation of the rule of law and democracy. The statement follows criminal damage caused to Newtownards Magistrates’ Court and an associated threat made against a member of the judiciary.

Chair of the Bar of Northern Ireland Moira Smyth KC said: “It is vital in our society that individual judges and the judiciary as a whole are free from external pressure and threat.

“Judges must be able to decide cases solely on the evidence presented in court in accordance with law.

“Judicial independence is the foundation of the rule of law and democracy. It underpins every citizen’s right to fair proceedings in our courts.

“An attack or threat made against any member of our judiciary is an attack on the rule of law and our democracy as a whole and is condemned without equivocation.”

ENDS