Lord Chief Justice’s Annual Opening of Term Address

Colleagues, ladies and gentlemen I am grateful to you all for attending today.

I want to give a particular welcome to Mr Justice McAlinden, who as you will know was sworn in as a High Court Judge in June, and I have also welcomed today our new County Court Judge Mrs RoseAnne McCormick QC who was sworn in just this morning.

I must share my sincere thanks and deep gratitude to the many retired Judges who have continued to support me and my colleagues in the Court of Judicature over the past year by providing their time, skills and wealth of knowledge and experience. Without their support and the ongoing support from colleagues on the county court bench we could not have delivered sufficient high court hearings while we remain under complement within the High Court. A further appointment is anticipated shortly and a new scheme will be launched later in the Michaelmas term that will hopefully ensure we attain our full complement.

To view the full opening speech, click here