Lady Chief Justice stresses public trust in rule of law

The Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales, Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill, has emphasised the necessity of public confidence and comprehension for the judiciary's legitimacy. Speaking at the European Law Institute’s annual conference, themed 'Europe and the Rule of Law: Cultural Engagement and Legal Resilience', she addressed the importance of engaging society with legal principles.

Baroness Carr stated that public trust forms the bedrock of judicial legitimacy. She noted that while the judiciary generally holds high public esteem, this requires continuous transparency and effort to sustain. Research indicates that individuals with a greater understanding of court functions tend to trust them more, making public awareness of judicial work crucial for its continued strength, as reported by the Courts and Tribunals Judiciary.

Everyday reliance on the rule of law

In her remarks, the Lady Chief Justice explained that people may not frequently consider abstract concepts like the rule of law or the significance of judicial independence for a fair society. However, she noted that everyone desires a just and functional society where the rule of law ensures personal safety and the exercise of rights. Building on this existing desire, she suggested that culture can serve as a bridge, connecting everyday values to the institutions that uphold them. People depend on the rule of law daily, even if they do not explicitly acknowledge it, according to the Courts and Tribunals Judiciary.

Following her opening remarks, Baroness Carr joined a panel discussion with legal professionals and journalists. The group explored various strategies for enhancing public understanding of the rule of law, its importance, and the potential role of culture in this endeavour. The panel was chaired by Bruno Lasserre, President of the Commission for Access to Administrative Documents and former Vice-President to the French Council of State.