Judicial Quota System Proposed

A quota system has been suggested to remedy the under-representation of women and ethnic minorities in the senior judiciary. This proposition is likely to become Labour Party policy.

The report, entitled Judicial Diversity: Accelerating Change recommended that a candidate’s ability to contribute to a diverse judiciary should be considered when assessing merit; a quota system should be introduced to counter underrepresentation of women and black and ethnic minority judges and all judicial posts should be available for part-time or a job share. The report also suggested that the circuit system be abolished and replaced with regional appointments.

The report says that “the time has now come” for quotas. “Without a requirement to appoint qualified women and ethnic minorities, we believe that the pace of change will remain intolerably slow.”

Sir Geoffrey Bindman QC, one of the report’s authors, said, “The law cannot command respect if those who administer it do not reflect a diverse population. The senior judiciary is dominated by white males selected from a narrow pool of candidates.”

This follows a notable week for legal diversity and equality, where it was revealed that women solicitors earn £10,000 than their male counterparts.

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