Judicial Office

Royal Courts of Justice

The Royal Courts of Justice in London

The Judicial Office is a unique branch of the civil service, independent from the machinery which supports the Government, and dedicated to supporting the judiciary as the third arm of the state. We promote and safeguard judicial independence to maintain confidence in the rule of law.

We are answerable not to Ministers but instead, through our Chief Executive, to the Lord/Lady Chief Justice of England & Wales and the Senior President of Tribunals as we help them to fulfil their responsibilities to the judiciary.

Through our specialist teams, we support some 22,000 judicial office holders in an ever-evolving justice system, providing policy, legal and handling advice and operational support on a wide range of matters. This includes, but is not limited to, advice on judicial leadership, support with relationships with Government and assistance with justice sector reform, judicial education and training, communications and human resources.

We incorporate the Judicial College and the independent Judicial Conduct Investigations Office.

We are proud that our work serves to reinforce the pre-eminence of the judiciary of England and Wales and maintain the UK’s position as a leader in legal services, a position which allows the UK to thrive and benefits, albeit sometimes invisibly, every part of society.

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