Judges mark the start of the new legal year
Monday, 2nd October 2023
Judges and members of the legal profession gathered in Westminster Abbey on Monday 2nd October 2023 for a service to mark the start of the legal year in England and Wales.
The annual service, which dates back to 1897, was conducted by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, who said in his Bidding:
'At the beginning of the legal year, we gather in the presence of almighty God, who is the judge of all and who knows the secrets of our hearts, to renew our commitment to the service of the Crown and to all manner of people that we may, together, do right.
We acknowledge a shared high calling, a common commitment to a justice that all can recognize, done without fear or favour, affection or ill will. So we seek God’s strength and guidance that we might remain true to our calling; informed, wise, and just.'
The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, the Rt Hon Alex Chalk KC MP, read Proverbs 8: 1–17; and the Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales, the Rt Hon Dame Sue Carr, read Philippians 4: 4–9.
The Address was given by the Reverend Robin Griffith-Jones, Master of the Temple.
The service was sung by the Westminster Abbey Special Service Choir, conducted by Andrew Nethsingha, Organist and Master of the Choristers. The organ was played by Peter Holder, Sub-Organist.
