JCIO 58/26

   

A spokesperson for the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office said:

The Lady Chief Justice, with the Lord Chancellor’s agreement, has issued Her Honour Judge Lynn Griffin with a formal warning for misconduct.

Facts

The Guide to Judicial Conduct states that judicial office holders should display diligence and care in the discharge of their judicial duties.

The JCIO received a complaint concerning delay in proceedings before the General Regulatory Chamber. Following the conclusion of submissions in appeals brought by the complainant, Her Honour Judge Griffin did not issue judgment nor determine post-hearing applications and related matters for a prolonged period of over a year. The case was subsequently directed to be reheard by a different tribunal.

Her Honour Judge Griffin’s representations

In her representations, Her Honour Judge Griffin stated that the case was part-heard and that the matters complained of concerned judicial decision-making and case management. She explained that she had worked regularly on the case throughout the relevant period, that not all correspondence required a response and that outstanding matters would have been addressed within the judgment. She also relied on her workload, leadership responsibilities and personal circumstances in explanation of the delay.

Nominated judge’s findings and recommendation

Following an investigation under the Judicial Conduct Rules 2023, a nominated judge found that Her Honour Judge Griffin had failed to progress proceedings with due diligence by delaying both the issuing of a judgment and the determination of post-hearing applications and related matters. While taking into account the mitigation advanced by Her Honour Judge Griffin, including her workload and personal circumstances, the nominated judge recommended that she receive a formal warning, having regard to the substantial length of the delay, its impact on the parties, the fact that the proceedings ultimately had to begin again before a new tribunal and her previous sanction for delay in another case.

Decision

After careful consideration, the Lord Chancellor and the Lady Chief Justice agreed with the recommendation to issue Her Honour Judge Griffin with a formal warning. 
 

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