NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

MANNIN: JUDICIARY SLECTION WHY THE SECRECY

Why is the selection process for members of the judiciary not more transparent
the Celtic League has asked the Manx Government? (See below):

"The Chief Minister of the Isle of Man
Mr A Brown MHK
Government Buildings
Douglas
Isle of Man

28/08/10

Dear Chief Minister,

In 2003 the UK DCA issued a consultative paper entitled "Constitutional reform:
a new way of appointing judges". The consultative paper was aimed at stimulating
debate on judicial reform.

Tellingly the DCA paper says:

"In order for the judiciary to continue to command public confidence, it is
vital that the process by which judges are selected and appointed must also
command confidence. The present judicial appointments system has come under
increasing scrutiny and challenge in recent years. Rightly or wrongly, the
existing procedures are commonly seen as unaccountable and lacking in
transparency. They are perceived by many to be systemically biased. Whether or
not the system really is biased, the perception has an impact which is real
enough. This perception may damage public confidence in the administration of
justice"

Can you indicate why there is so little transparency in relation to the
appointment of members of the judiciary in the Isle of Man?

Would it be possible for the process surrounding the selection of all serving
members of the judiciary (Deemsters, High Bailliff etc) to be made public or is
this information regarded as to sensitive or confidential for the public to have
access to?

Yours sincerely,

J B Moffatt (Mr)
Director of Information"

Related article on Celtic News here:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/celtic_league/message/2106


J B Moffatt (Mr)
Director of Information
Celtic League

28/08/10

The Celtic League has branches in the six Celtic Countries. It works
to promote cooperation between these countries and campaigns on a
broad range of political, cultural and environmental matters. It highlights
human rights abuse, monitors all military activity and focuses on
socio-economic issues.

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