Judicial Conduct Investigations Office

The Lord Chancellor and the Lord/Lady Chief Justice are jointly responsible for judicial discipline. They are supported by the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO), an independent part of the Judicial Office.

The disciplinary process is for complaints about misconduct, which means how a judicial office holder has behaved personally. It cannot be used to challenge a judge’s decision or case management. Such matters can only be challenged by appeal to a higher court.

Complaints about courts judges, coroners and tribunal judges including non-legal members should be made to the JCIO. Complaints about magistrates should be made to the relevant regional conduct advisory committee.

The JCIO website contains information about the complaints process and the types of complains that can be considered. Contact details for regional conduct advisory committees and chamber presidents can also be found on the website.