Family Justice Review Interim Report

President of the Family Division welcomes the Family Justice Review Interim Report

Sir Nicholas Wall said:

"I welcome the Interim Report of the Family Justice Review chaired by David Norgrove. I particularly welcome the report’s recognition that family justice has hitherto not been given the recognition that it deserves.

"I also welcome the Report’s recognition of the status of family justice and that the issues faced by the family justice system are "hugely difficult, emotional and important"’ I agree that tribute should be paid to the dedication of all who work in the system.

"In both the public and the private law spheres, I welcome the Report’s emphasis on proactive case management by judges and on judicial continuity. These echo guidance which I have recently given.

"I am, however, clear, that if the judiciary is to implement the Report’s recommendations, it will need to be given the administrative freedom and support to do so. In other words, judges must take ownership of the cases assigned to them. and must be a position to list such cases swiftly when they are ready for hearing.

"The Report offers the judiciary (including the magistracy) the opportunity to play its full and critical role as a part of the inter-disciplinary process which is family justice. That opportunity is to be welcomed."

Editor's Notes:

• Link to the interim report