JCIO 24/23

A spokesperson for the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office said:

The Senior President of Tribunals, on behalf of the Lord Chief Justice and with the Lord Chancellor’s agreement, has issued Judge Martin Brewer, an Employment Judge in the Employment Tribunals in England and Wales, with a formal warning for misconduct.

The Guide to Judicial Conduct reminds office-holders to be courteous, tolerant and respect the dignity of all. They should also ensure that their conduct maintains and enhances the confidence of the public, the legal profession and litigants, in their personal impartiality and that of the judiciary.

The President of Employment Tribunals in England and Wales carried out a disciplinary investigation after a party complained that Judge Brewer had shouted at her and intervened excessively in a hearing, which caused her to abandon her claim.

Judge Brewer explained that it had been a difficult hearing, in which the bench had had to intervene in order to adjudicate properly. Whilst he had apologised at the hearing for shouting on one occasion, Judge Brewer accepted that he had shown frustration and that his behaviour had fallen short.

Following an investigation carried out under the Judicial Conduct (Tribunals) Rules 2014, the tribunal president found that Judge Brewer had displayed discourtesy, rudeness and impatience towards the party, which amounted to misconduct.

Having considered the mitigation offered by Judge Brewer, the Senior President of Tribunals and Lord Chancellor agreed with the tribunal president’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