Family Courts – Mckenzie Friends – current training

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Dear Her Majesty’s Courts and the Tribunals Service,

Please provide guidance and/or policy and/or information on the current training of judiciary in relation to admission of mckenzie friends in civil and family proceedings. [information held by either HMCTS and/or the MoJ].

Background/Narrative

Many years ago judges routinely refused mckenzie friends [whether acting as support (notetaker) or representation] for no apparent reason which following various case law & subsequent president directions has now been clarified that outright denial without good reason [is a potential breach of article 6]. However, anecdotally I hear that there are still examples recently as of the following occurred from 2004.

MR DAVIES: I just wanted to say that he (Mr XXX) is a McKenzie friend.
DJ BATCUP: There is no such thing in children’s proceedings, Mr Davies. I am afraid he will have to wait outside.

I await the information requested and thank you in anticipation.

Yours faithfully,

Gwynne Davies

Evans, Brian (DJO-JSB),

1 Attachment

Please find attached an acknowledgement of your FOI request

 

Brian Evans  | Training Policy Manager, Governance & Policy Team | 
Judicial College |  [1]www.judiciary.gov.uk

 

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Evans, Brian (DJO-JSB),

1 Attachment

Dear Gwynne Davies,

 

Please find attached a response to your FOI request.

 

Brian Evans  | Training Policy Manager, Governance & Policy Team | 
Judicial College |  [1]www.judiciary.gov.uk

 

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Dear Evans, Brian (DJO-JSB),

Thank you for the information and confirmation that the information requested is not available.

However, your response appears to indicate that guidance on judicial training is available elsewhere/somewhere. I should be obliged if you would provide details of where information on judicial training guidance may be available from. It appears to be the Judicial College, however, please confirm.

Yours sincerely,

Gwynne Davies

Evans, Brian (DJO-JSB),

Dear Gwynne,

As I noted in my letter the guidance available from judiciary can be found at:

https://www.judiciary.uk/publications/mc...

There is nothing else which can be considered, and this is the guidance that is referenced at training events.

Brian Evans

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