‘Misconduct’ threat to barristers as top judge warns they could face action if they go on strike 

Barristers may face disciplinary motion in the event that they go on strike when they’re meant to be in courtroom, the nation’s prime choose has warned.

The Lord Chief Justice Lord Burnett of Maldon stated it ‘could quantity to skilled misconduct’ if attorneys fail to show as much as scheduled hearings regardless of beforehand agreeing to symbolize a defendant.

His feedback got here after members of the Prison Bar Affiliation voted for 4 weeks of business motion over their pay. 

The walkouts will most likely derail trials and will see picket traces outdoors main courts such because the Previous Bailey. 

Barristers may face disciplinary motion in the event that they go on strike when they’re meant to be in courtroom, the nation’s prime choose has warned

Lord Burnett stated: ‘Instances in which there’s non-attendance must be referred to the Senior Presiding Decide’s Workplace to think about whether or not to contain [watchdog] the Bar Requirements Board. 

‘The query whether or not a failure to attend quantities to skilled misconduct will then be a matter for [a] disciplinary course of.’

He instructed judges to ask defendants if they’ve agreed to their barrister lacking the listening to and went on: ‘It will likely be a matter for the CPS in every case to resolve whether or not to make an software for wasted prices.

‘A failure to attend at courtroom, having accepted directions, could quantity to skilled misconduct.’

The Prison Bar Affiliation voted for 4 weeks of business motion over their pay. The walkouts will most likely derail trials and will see picket traces outdoors main courts (inside London courtroom pictured)

He stated that the Senior Presiding Decide’s workplace must be instructed of all instances the place a barrister failed to show up, to allow them to determined whether or not to tell the Bar Requirements Board watchdog.

A spokesman for the Judiciary added final night time: ‘The Lord Chief Justice has issued a press release reminding judges that the judiciary is just not a celebration to the dispute between the Prison Bar Affiliation and the Authorities. 

‘The judiciary is not going to enter into the substance of the dispute.’