A District Judge Of U.K. has been issued with a formal warning after being “sarcastic and condescending’ towards a legal representative during hearing. District Judge Najma Man was reprimanded for her actions in a family court matter after the judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO) received a formal complaint from the litigant. 

During investigation certain aspects of the complaint were substantiated and the investigating judge did find that Judge Najma Mian was “sarcastic and condescending and had shouted at and interrupted the representative on many occasions throughout the hearing”. 

Though Judge Mian did not accept the findings of the nominated judge, the Lady Chief Justice and the Lord Chancellor accepted the findings of the JCIO and issued the judge a “formal warning”. Due consideration was given to a previous incident in 2021 where Judge Najma Mian was criticised in an appeal judgement for showing anger and sarcasm. The guide to judicial conduct reminds judges to be courteous, patient, tolerant and to respect the dignity of all. The guidelines also reminds the judges that they should ensure that their conduct maintains and enhances public confidence in the judiciary.

Order : Judicial Conduct Investigation Office

Source - Legal Cheek