London-based litigation partners have criticized the outdated mindset prevalent within the justice system, following a recent misconduct case involving a senior judge. The said judge faced censure for his reportedly “rude and hostile” demeanor towards a counsel.
An official statement issued by the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO) revealed that an investigation had been launched following a lodged complaint. Lord Justice Clive Lewis, the investigated judge, was found to have “intervened excessively in counsel’s submissions, throughout the hearing, in a manner which became increasingly harsh and rude and to the extent that it constituted judicial bullying”.
Senior UK judge Lord Justice Clive Lewis was subsequently issued a formal warning for what was officially determined as judicial misconduct during the course of a hearing. As a result, the ongoing situation sparked widespread reactions among litigation lawyers who opined that this incident reflects how judges have seemingly failed to adapt to the behavioral norms of the 21st century.
For a more detailed account of the situation, the original article can be found on Law.com