Shocking abuse of power by Childrens Services

Our Ref: 6865/2009

Dear Sir / Madam,

Thank you for e-mail letter of September 29th 2009.

I hope you will find it helpful if I explain that the role of the Office
for Judicial Complaints (OJC) is to support the Lord Chief Justice and
the Lord Chancellor in their joint responsibilities for judicial conduct
and discipline. Their responsibilities cover matters relating to
allegations of personal misconduct in the way that a judicial office
holder has behaved, whether inside or outside of the courtroom.

Issues of personal conduct include, but are not restricted to, use of
profane, sexist, or racist language, behaving aggressively, or shouting.
Where incidents involving the personal conduct of a judicial office
holder occur, the Office for Judicial Complaints will make further
enquiries. If allegations of personal misconduct are substantiated, The
Lord Chancellor and Lord Chief Justice will jointly decide what
disciplinary action, if any, is necessary.

Neither the Lord Chief Justice, the Lord Chancellor nor officials in
this Office, is able to consider or intervene with complaints about
judicial decisions. The only way in which a judicial decision can be
challenged is by appeal to a higher court.

The term 'judicial decision' encompasses issues relating to the way in
which a judge chooses to handle a case; decisions made on the evidence
that will be considered and/or dismissed; the weight attached to
evidence that is considered, the final outcome of the case and other
ancillary things such as costs and sentencing. The principle of judicial
independence from government means that these things can only be
challenged via the legal process, on appeal if so advised.

Unfortunately the issues raised in your e-mail do not fall within our
remit and the information you request is not in the possession of the
OJC. Please accept my apologies but we are therefore unable to fulfil
your Freedom of Information request. You may wish to visit our website
www.judicialcomplaints.gov.uk for further information but if in the
meantime you require anything further, please do not hesitate to contact
us.

Yours sincerely,
Max Mulvaney

Administrative Support Officer
Office for Judicial Complaints (OJC)
10th Floor, The Tower
102 Petty France
London
SW1H 9AJ

DX 152380 Westminster 8

Tel: 0203 334 2524
Fax: 0203 334 2541
Website: www.judicialcomplaints.gov.uk

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