Judicial Appointments - Changes in Future

Question 1

Intro

Answer 1

Efforts to improve diversity in Scottish & UK judicial appointment system has evolved throughout 21st century

Despite, challenges remain in regard to diversity of Scotland’s judiciary

Essay will discuss increase in female representation among other issues

Question 2

History

Answer 2

UK judicial system historically conservative ruled by white males

Early 21st century saw growth to more diverse judiciary

2005 Judicial Appointments Commission established in England & Wales to ensure appointments made considered diversity

2002 Judicial Appointments Board set up in Scotland

Question 3

Merit & Diversity - Transparent Process

Answer 3

More democratic system brought transparency to judicial appointments

JAB publishes reports on its work which displays number of applicants, diversity & reasons for selection or rejection

Question 4

Merit & Transparency - Female Representation

Answer 4

Notable success, increase in females appointed to judiciary

2018 40% Scottish judiciary were women higher than before

UK similar successes with women being appointed to senior judicial roles, Lady Hale first female President of UKSC in 2017

Question 5

Merit or Transparency

Answer 5

Allows broader range of candidates to be considered creating new opportunities for those with diverse backgrounds

Question 6

Challenges to Diversity - Educational Barriers

Answer 6

UK legal profession majorly dominated by those with privileged backgrounds creating barriers for those with less education and privilege who may be just as skilled but lack opportunity into profession

Question 7

Challenges to Diversity - Gender Diversity

Answer 7

Progress in gender but lack in other areas such as ethnic minority groups, Scottish judiciary predominantly white

Judiciary shaped by narrow bracket of society impacting public confidence as they are not seen

Question 8

Improved Diversity - Review of Judicial Terms

Answer 8

Steps should be taken to further improve diversity in judiciary

Individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, traditional route to law is unattainable

Accessible university schemes or law schemes could open up major opportunities for the less fortunate

Question 9

Improved Diversity - Diversity Training

Answer 9

Judiciary benefit from diversity training to raise awareness about issues faced by those from diverse backgrounds

This leads to understanding and empathy when considering candidates

Question 10

Conclusion

Answer 10

Scottish & UK judiciary made great changes towards diversity in 21st century especially gender

Still lacking in race and education groups

Providing extensive diversity training and reconsidering selection criteria could help Scotland in achieving a more inclusive judiciary