by TheJusticeofthePeace @ 01.
Dec. 2010. – 15:52:44
It might have become apparent that those appointed as Justice of the Peace and as such members of the judiciary are in my opinion at greater risk of sanction for even the whiff of straying from the high path of righteousness as macadamised by the Office of Judicial Complaints than their more senior colleagues. Judges can fall asleep on the bench or offer their own political views whilst summing up and remain, albeit reprimanded, in position. I have commented here 28th September and 8th October respectively on these topics.
Whilst red cards are rarely shown to judges except for the most heinous offences J.P.s are sent off with some regularity although the proportion of the total number sitting is miniscule. Nevertheless whilst in most aspects of professional life one can answer as Cain did when god enquired of the whereabouts of Abel, “I know not; am I my brother's keeper?” for the O.J.C. what was accepted by god is not always acceptable to that august body charged with policing the judiciary.
I do not know anything of Jahangir Khan except what is reported today on the website of the O.J.C. With so few details one can only wonder at the reasons behind his sacking. Perhaps those investigated wish the matter to be kept out of the public domain; perhaps not. I do not know the procedures by which such investigations and hearings are governed. Other professions governing professional and personal behaviour through quangos such as the General Medical Council have been forced to open their disciplinary processes to public scrutiny. J.P.s receive no income from their judicial duties and it can be argued that rules applying to paid professionals including judges should not necessarily be applicable where possible loss of employment income is not a consideration. I disagree. If Justices of the Peace are relied upon to deliver justice in this country surely they can be allowed if they wish to defend themselves publicly when complaints are made?
For newcomers to the bench this is a salutary warning. In the glasshouse of the magistracy there is no room for family stone throwing.
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