Judge Judy joins judiciary

But some judicial posts just can’t be filled and quality is a concern

A new Old Bailey judge was named yesterday:

Nothing to do with the US reality TV show, of course:

As the Garden Court Chambers website confirms, she currently practises at the criminal bar as Judy Khan KC. I can see no reason for Khan to adopt a version of her first name that she doesn’t normally use.

Judy Khan KC

Why use it at all? Forenames are included in a judicial title if another serving judge has the same surname. There are already three circuit judges named Khan. But she’s the only Judy.

Judicial appointments

On judicial appointments generally, there is good news and bad news — indeed, a significant concern. First, who will fill the vacant seat on the UK Supreme Court? And how much does it matter?