Following Sir Nicholas Wall’s retirement as the head of the Family Division, the government has now published a press release to welcome in the new President of the Family Division, Lord Justice Munby, who will take up his position from 11th January, next year (2013).
Lord Justice Munby, a forward-thinking judge who has advocated for a more open approach to the family courts, keeping government secular, and who has also been Chairman of the Law Commission, will be an interesting figure to take over the position.
He is also focused on the welfare of the child and kindly sat as a panel member on one of our Westminster Debates which was entitled “The Westminster Debate for K.I.D.S (Kids In Divorce Or Separation)”.
Lord Justice Munby
“Lord Justice Munby, a forward-thinking judge”
100% correct if you believe in not bothering to read one page of the court bundles in cases and then wonder if it was a miscarriage of justice?
Odd logic for a forward thinking judge?
Hi Portia. We take your point, but being forward-thinking and having time are slightly different things. Nobody’s perfect – at least Munby is trying to look at both sides
Having time ?, oh justice on a shoe string at the parents cost of their children you mean. Justice should not be rushed on suspect evidence or chinese whispers nor should it be limited as to the cost of it.
We agree with you. The point we make though, is less about the reality of the court system and more about the man. We do know of families who have found Munby to be thorough in his reading of paperwork, which may mean that his lack of preparation in some instances says more about the system and less, therefore, about the man himself.
My impression on LJ Munby – even though he did not find for me given the state of the Law and the previously descredited lower courts on descreation. at least he had read the case files – and understood my position – which was sadly rubbered away earlier by LJ Wall and his cohorts. Munby if allowed too by the system will i believe make a difference if he is allowed the forward thinking he has and applies it. He has a lot of house keeping to undertake clearly.
Portia – perhaps he might also disclose bench memorandums that the Judges rely so clearly upon?
Great news. At least if the courts are more open the system will be under the spot light and there will be less mistakes hopefully and more accountability……From the posts above, we can conclude that the Judge is at least human which is more than can be said about many of them
Indeed!
Well, I’m relieved it wasn’t Thorpe but I wonder how much difference he will make. I have noted comments he has made in the past about how courts were powerless against hostile mothers. It sounded rather hollow; they aren’t powerless, just presided over by the impotent.
Nevertheless, he is now in a position to influence the conduct of cases in the lower courts.
My guess is he will do nothing of any consequence and, even were he minded to do so, his energies will be taken up dealing with the fallout from LASPO. I’d love to be proved wrong on that, though.
Happy New Year, Natasha!
Happy new year David and thank you for your thoughts.
Reblogged this on Parents Rights Blog.