Circuits are the highest-level administrative divisions of the Bar of England and Wales and His Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service.[1] Today, they serve as professional associations for barristers practicing within their areas, as well as administrative divisions for the purposes of administration of justice.
There are six circuits in total: Midland, Northern, North Eastern, Western, Wales and Chester, and South Eastern.
There is also the European Circuit, which is an association of barristers with interests in European law. Though it is called a circuit and recognised by the Bar Council, it does not serve any administrative or judicial purposes.[2]
Circuits are divided along local authority area borders.[3]
History
editThe term "circuit" is derived from the English custom of itinerant courts whose judges periodically travelled on pre-set paths—circuits—to hear cases from different areas. In 1293, a statute was enacted which formally defined four assize circuits.[4] These would change frequently over the next few centuries.
By the 1500s, there were six different circuits: Home, Midland, Northern, Oxford, Northern, and Western. This remained largely constant until the 19th century. Twice each year, judges "literally rode each circuit," meaning that a pair of common law judges assigned to a circuit rode on horseback through all the county towns and several other important towns in each circuit and heard cases.[5]
The current circuits originate from the 1969 Beeching Commission, which recommended the merger of the Midland and Oxford circuits. Since then only minor boundary changes have been made, such as in the 1998 Review of Criminal Justice Boundaries.[6]
Functions
editAs part of the Bar Council
editCircuits effectively function as professional associations for barristers, providing support and advice for their members. They work with HM Courts and Tribunals Service and other government bodies, as well as hosting continuing professional development and social events.[3]
Each circuit is represented on the Bar Council through its leader and other appointed representatives.[7]
They are closely linked with specialist bar associations, who may appoint representatives to each circuit.[8]
As part of the judiciary
editCircuits also serve a judicial function as judges (except for judges of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court) are appointed to, and will only sit in, a specific circuit. This avoids judges having to travel large distances to hear cases.[9]
The circuits system is overseen by the Lord Chancellor.[10]
Leadership
editEach circuit elects a leader to represent it, to serve a three-year term. The current leaders are:
| Circuit | Leader | Election | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midland | Michelle Heeley | 2021 | [11] |
| Northern | Jaime Hamilton | 2022 | [12] |
| North Eastern | Jason Pitter | 2023 | [13] |
| Western | Jo Martin | 2022 | [14] |
| South Eastern | Leon Kazakos | 2021 | [15] |
| Wales and Chester | Caroline Rees | 2022 | [16] |
Potential leaders must be King's Counsel. A circuit may also appoint other leadership positions, such as a circuit junior or treasurer,[17] who will often form its executive committee.
Circuit leaders are entitled to sit on the Bar Council ex officio.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Other organisations". www.barcouncil.org.uk. Retrieved 2023-07-17.
- ^ "The European Circuit". www.europeancircuit.com. Retrieved 2023-07-17.
- ^ a b "Circuits of England & Wales". www.barcouncil.org.uk. Retrieved 2023-07-17.
- ^ Cockburn, J. S. (1972-09-07). A History of English Assizes 1558-1714. Cambridge University Press. p. 17. ISBN 978-0-521-08449-9.
- ^ Cockburn, J. S. (1972-09-07). A History of English Assizes 1558-1714. Cambridge University Press. p. 19. ISBN 978-0-521-08449-9.
- ^ "History of the Circuits". 2011-11-20. Archived from the original on 2011-11-20. Retrieved 2023-07-17.
- ^ "North Eastern Circuit - Bar Council Representatives". www.northeasterncircuit.co.uk. Retrieved 2023-07-17.
- ^ "North Eastern Circuit - Specialist Bar Associations". www.northeasterncircuit.co.uk. Retrieved 2023-07-17.
- ^ "The Judicial System of England and Wales: A visitor's guide" (PDF). judiciary.uk.
- ^ "Circuits". 2007-06-29. Archived from the original on 2007-06-29. Retrieved 2023-07-17.
- ^ "Michelle Heeley KC". Midland Circuit. Retrieved 2023-07-17.
- ^ "Northern Circuit - Circuit Officers". www.northerncircuit.org.uk. Retrieved 2023-07-17.
- ^ "North Eastern Circuit - Who's Who". www.northeasterncircuit.co.uk. Retrieved 2023-07-17.
- ^ "Circuit Officers". Western Circuit. Retrieved 2023-07-17.
- ^ "South Eastern Circuit | Executive Officers". southeastcircuit.org.uk. Retrieved 2023-07-17.
- ^ "About the Wales and Chester Circuit". www.walesandchestercircuit.org.uk. Retrieved 2023-07-17.
- ^ "Circuit Officers". Midland Circuit. Retrieved 2023-07-17.