The morning case file
London Crime Briefing
Significant incidents, hearings, outcomes and public-data changes across the capital.
Topic
judiciary
7 stories, newest first.
LatestMaster of the Rolls Sir Geoffrey Vos retires
Sir Geoffrey Vos has retired as Master of the Rolls on 30 October 2026. He served as Head of Civil Justice since 2021 and Chancellor of the High Court from 2016, championing the use of technology in courts.
3 min readTrust 56 · Craft 80 · Hype 15- Courts · City of London
Mrs Justice Joanna Smith takes interim leadership role in Business and Property Division
Mrs Justice Joanna Smith has been appointed Deputy President of the Business and Property Division on an interim basis. The role, starting 1 November 2026, involves managing the division's daily operations, overseeing judge deployment, and case allocation.
City of London3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 45 · Hype 0 
Courts · City of LondonLord Justice Green to lead Judicial College from November 2026
Lord Justice Green has been appointed the new Chair of the Judicial College, a body responsible for judicial training. His appointment begins on 20 November 2026, and he will take over from Lady Justice King.
City of London2 min readTrust 42 · Craft 45 · Hype 10
Courts · City of LondonUK judges given AI tools as China court speeds up cases
The UK judiciary is providing judges with AI tools, mirroring developments in countries like China where courts are using artificial intelligence to significantly accelerate case processing. Master of the Rolls Sir Geoffrey Vos highlighted these trends, noting the growing reliance on AI for legal advice and judicial assistance.
City of London3 min readTrust 30 · Craft 53 · Hype 20
Courts · City of LondonSir Mark Warby sworn in as President of King's Bench Division
Sir Mark Warby has been sworn in as the new President of the King's Bench Division. He will oversee the division's extensive work, including civil claims, torts, and judicial reviews of public bodies, and manage the deployment of its judges.
City of London2 min readTrust 42 · Craft 57 · Hype 20
Courts · City of LondonDame Victoria Sharp retires as King's Bench President
Dame Victoria Sharp has retired as President of the King's Bench Division and Deputy Head of Criminal Justice. She was the first woman to hold the top role in the division, which she led for seven years.
City of London3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 67 · Hype 20
LatestLady 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 highlighted the critical role of public understanding and trust in maintaining the legitimacy of the judiciary and the rule of law. Speaking at a European Law Institute conference, she emphasised that while people may not always recognise it, they rely on the rule of law daily.
2 min readTrust 30 · Craft 45 · Hype 20