The Judges’ Service
01 October 2010 at 11:30 am
The start of the UK legal year was formally marked with a special service in Westminster Abbey on 1 October attended by the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, the Lord Chief Justice, judges and other members of the legal profession. Judges arrive at the Abbey from the Royal Courts of Justice for the service, which was followed by a reception at the Houses of Parliament, hosted by the Lord Chancellor.
The service has its roots in the religious practice of judges praying for guidance at the beginning of the legal term. The custom dates back to the Middle Ages when the High Court was held in Westminster Hall and judges would walk over to Westminster Abbey for the service. The Lord Chancellor and the Lord Chief Justice both read a lesson.
See also:
Judges Service 2010 news story