JCIO 40/25

   

A spokesperson for the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office said:

The Lady Chief Justice, with the Lord Chancellor’s agreement, has issued Her Honour Judge Fiona Shanks with formal advice for misconduct.

Facts

The Guide to Judicial Conduct states that judicial officeholders are expected to display diligence and care in the discharge of judicial duties. The JCIO received a complaint alleging that Her Honour Judge Shanks delayed drawing a child arrangement order following a court hearing in May 2023. Despite repeated chasers sent by the complainant to the court about the matter, the order remained outstanding at the time of their complaint to the JCIO.


Her Honour Judge Shanks’ representations

While citing several personal factors in mitigation, Her Honour Judge Shanks accepted that the delay in issuing the order was unacceptable. She offered her sincerest apologies to the parties. Her Honour Judge Shanks also confirmed that she had since drafted the order.

Nominated judge’s findings

Following an investigation carried out under the Judicial Conduct Rules 2023, a nominated judge found that there had been an unreasonable delay exceeding two years between the making and drawing of the order. The nominated judge found that Her Honour Judge Shanks had failed to display diligence and care in the discharge of judicial duties and that her actions amounted to misconduct. In recommending that she be issued with formal advice, the nominated judge took into consideration the fact that Her Honour Judge Shanks had taken full responsibility for her actions and that she had a previously unblemished conduct record.

Decision

The Lady Chief Justice and Lord Chancellor agreed with the nominated judge’s recommendation to issue Her Honour Judge Shanks with formal advice. 
 

Notes for Editors

Media queries in relation to the JCIO should be made in the first instance to the Judicial Press Office - telephone 020 7073 4852 or via email - press.enquiries@judiciary.gsi.gov.uk 

Sanctions for misconduct by judicial office-holders are set out in the Constitutional Reform Act 2005. They are, in order of severity: formal advice, formal warning, reprimand and removal from office.

For more information about the Office, including details on how to make a complaint against a judicial office holder, you can visit the JCIO website at: Judicial Conduct Investigations website