JCIO 01/24

A spokesperson for the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office said:

The Lady Chief Justice, with the Lord Chancellor’s agreement, has issued Mr Justice Edward Murray with formal advice for misconduct.

The Guide to Judicial Conduct requires judicial office-holders to display diligence and care in the discharge of judicial duties.

Following an investigation carried out under the Judicial Conduct (Judicial and other office-holders) Rules 2014, a nominated judge found that Mr Justice Murray had delayed in issuing a judgment for fifteen months after the hearing. He also had not given accurate indications to the parties as to when judgment could be expected.

Mr Justice Murray expressed his regret regarding the delay. In mitigation, he cited matters such as a busy workload and lack of judgment-writing time, but had reflected on this and recognised that he could have been more proactive about obtaining the latter. Having considered the mitigation offered by Mr Justice Murray, the Lady Chief Justice and Lord Chancellor agreed with the judge’s recommendation.

Notes for Editors

Media queries in relation to the JCIO should be made in the first instance to the Judicial Press Office - telephone 020 7073 4852 or via email - press.enquiries@judiciary.gsi.gov.uk

Sanctions for misconduct by judicial office-holders are set out in the Constitutional Reform Act 2005. They are, in order of severity: formal advice, formal warning, reprimand and removal from office.

For more information about the Office, including details on how to make a complaint against a judicial office holder, you can visit the JCIO website at: Judicial Conduct Investigations website