JCIO 41/26

   

A spokesperson for the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office said:

Mr Justice Keehan, on behalf of the Lady Chief Justice and with the Lord Chancellor’s agreement, has issued Mrs Lisa Peters JP, of the Shropshire bench, with formal advice for misconduct.

Facts

Magistrates sign a declaration and undertaking on appointment, which includes an agreement to be circumspect in their conduct and maintain the dignity, standing and good reputation of the magistracy at all times, in their private, working and public lives. In addition, Useful Information for Magistrates (2020) warns that great care should be taken to avoid personal reference to their position as a magistrate where it could be perceived as an attempt to influence or gain advantage.

A complaint was made to the Midlands Conduct Advisory Committee that Mrs Peters had referred to her magisterial status in an email during a private dispute.

Mrs Peters’s representations

Mrs Peters denied misconduct, stating that she referred to her magistrate status only as background information. She maintained that she did not seek to influence the dispute or misuse her judicial office and highlighted her long-standing judicial service and commitment to judicial standards.

Nominated committee member’s findings and recommendation

Following an investigation under the Judicial Conduct (Magistrates) Rules 2023, a nominated committee member of the Midlands Conduct Advisory Committee found that Mrs Peters deliberately referred to her magisterial status in circumstances where it could be perceived as adding weight to her position. Although this was found to be a lapse of judgement of limited scope, the nominated committee member considered that Mrs Peters failed to appreciate how the reference might be perceived by others. Mrs Peters was found to have breached her declaration and undertaking and it was recommended that she receive a sanction of formal advice for misconduct.

In making the recommendation, the nominated committee member considered Mrs Peters’ unblemished disciplinary record and her significant contribution to the magistracy.

Decision

After careful consideration, Mr Justice Keehan and the Lord Chancellor agreed with the recommendation to issue Mrs Peters 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