Judges Service 2012
01 October 2012 at 11:30 am
The start of the UK legal year was formally marked with a special service in Westminster Abbey on 1st October 2012 at 11.30 am, attended by the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, the Lord Chief Justice, justices of the Supreme Court, judges and other members of the legal profession.
Judges arrived at the Abbey from the Royal Courts of Justice and Supreme Court for the service. The service 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 will both read a lesson. The Address will be given by The Reverend Andrew Tremlett, Canon of Westminster and Rector of St Margaret’s Church.