| 释义 |
judge
n. A state official with power to adjudicate on disputes and other matters brought before the courts for decision. In English law, all judges are appointed by the Monarch, on the advice of the Lord Chancellor; however, since 2006 judges of all ranks have in practice been selected by the Judicial Appointments Commission on a basis of open competition. All judges are experienced legal practitioners. The independence of the higher judiciary is ensured by the principle that they hold office during good behaviour and not at the pleasure of the Crown (see ad vitam aut culpam). They can only be removed from office by a resolution of both Houses of Parliament assented to by the Queen (a power that has never been exercised in England and Wales). Their salaries are a charge on the Consolidated Fund and are not voted annually. Circuit and district judges may be removed by the Lord Chancellor (with the agreement of the Lord Chief Justice) for incapacity or misbehaviour. All judicial appointments are pensionable and there is a compulsory retirement age of 70 years, but this can be extended to 75 if considered to be in the public interest. See also judicial immunity. Compare magistrate. |