Can judges be reported for their sloppiness? Would they be seen as being 'in contempt of Court' for such a lacklustre approach? Hold those thoughts whilst we adjourn for an agreeable lunch. All rise!
An oversight body does exist to handle complaints about judges, but its remit is extraordinarily narrow-focussed.
www.gov.uk/complain-judge-magistrate-tribunal-coronerThey can investigate:• The use of racist, sexist or offensive language
• Falling asleep in court
• Inappropriate use of social media
• Misusing judicial status for personal gain or advantage
They cannot investigate:• A judge’s decision or order
• Bias in a judge’s decision-making
• A judge allowing one party to speak for longer than another
• A judge refusing to allow a witness to give evidence or admit certain documents
• A judge appearing to react more favourably to one person’s evidence than another’s
• A judge saying that he or she does not believe a person’s evidence, questioning a person’s credibility or criticising a person’s actions
• A judge making an error of law or procedure
• A judge expressing opinions about issues related to a case they are hearing
• A judge's body language, facial expressions or how a judge has looked at a party
• The amount of costs or damages awarded by a judge
• A judge not reading documents before a hearing
• A judge refusing to transfer a case to a different judge or court
• A judge reserving a case to themselves
• A judge refusing to correspond with a party about a case
• Fraud or any other criminal offence
• Court staff, court bailiffs or the facilities and services provided by courts
• Other bodies such as the Police or Crown Prosecution Service
• Solicitors and Barristers