Judicial Appointments: Diversity

House of Lords written question – answered at on 16 July 2003.

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Photo of Lord Tebbit Lord Tebbit Conservative

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether it is their view that an increase in the number of black, Asian and female persons and persons of different sexual orientation would improve the overall quality of the judiciary.

Photo of Lord Falconer of Thoroton Lord Falconer of Thoroton Secretary of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs, Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs and Lord Chancellor

The principle of appointment on merit is central to the judicial appointments process. Those appointed should be those who are best qualified for the job, irrespective of gender, ethnic origin or sexual orientation, However, it is important to be able to make appointments from the widest possible pool of applicants, and the judicial appointments process should seek to bring forward the most talented candidates for appointment from the diverse groups within our society. A judiciary which better reflects the diversity of the population it serves will enhance public confidence in the justice system. The creation of a judicial appointments commission will provide a fresh opportunity to look at the ways in which the appointments processes work.

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