Judicial Statement - Northern Circuit, Monday 22 April 2013

The senior judiciary confirms the following statement has been sent to all Heads of Chambers and to solicitors involved in criminal work on the Northern Circuit with their endorsement:

"We have been made aware that members of the Bar and solicitors have said that they may not attend court on Monday.

"We understand that the position of the CPS is that the CPS does not consent to any advocate instructed making any application to adjourn, or being absent from a listed case on Monday.

"The position of the judiciary is straightforward. It is constitutionally independent. It will hear any applications to adjourn, taking into account the interests of both parties and the administration of justice, but will only remove a case from the list if an application is made on properly arguable grounds.

"If no application is made or if it is refused, the court hearing will proceed on Monday as listed.

"In recognition of the uncertainty, the court will take steps to minimise any adverse impact on witnesses who have already been warned to attend on Monday."

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