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JCIO 30/23
Date: 29 September 2023
A spokesperson for the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office said:
The Lord Chief Justice, with the Lord Chancellor’s agreement, has issued Lord Justice Clive Lewis 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 public confidence in the judiciary.
Following an investigation carried out under the Judicial Conduct (Judicial and other office holders) Rules 2014 by a senior judge appointed by the Lord Chief Justice, Lewis LJ was found to have behaved in a rude and hostile manner towards counsel in a hearing. Whilst not all the complaint allegations were made out, the nominated judge found that Lewis LJ had intervened excessively in counsel’s submissions, throughout the hearing, in a manner which became increasingly harsh and rude and to the extent that it constituted judicial bullying.
Lewis LJ accepted that he had allowed his frustrations at the hearing to show and reflected that he should have handled matters differently. He offered his sincere apologies at the hearing.
The Lord Chief Justice and Lord Chancellor agreed with the nominated judge’s recommendation. In deciding to issue Lewis LJ with a formal warning, they took into consideration the mitigation offered by Lewis LJ, including his apology and commitment to learn from the experience and adjust his behaviour in future.
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
