Manin: Judiciary Adopts Self Regulatory Code Of Conduct
MANNIN: JUDICIARY ADOPT SELF REGULATORY CODE OF CONDUCT
A year ago the Celtic League expressed concern about the lack of judicial oversight regulation in the Isle of Man - a concern which went unreported in the Manx media (see link):
Now the Isle of Man judiciary have brought out a `code of conduct' for the first time. The code, identical to one already in place in another Crown dependency, seems to have been adopted in some haste - a recognition perhaps of the unsatisfactory situation we had highlighted.
Obviously the Celtic League are pleased that the code, which goes someway to meeting a deficiency we had outlined, has been issued. However the new document is in essence self regulatory and was issued by the First Deemster with a somewhat pious declaration saying:
It is hoped that the publication of this Code of Conduct will assist in underlining to the community the high standards of conduct rightly expected from judges in this jurisdiction. It will also be a useful document for the Manx Judiciary in considering the high standards expected of them in their judicial and personal lives.
The somewhat brief missive from the Isle of Man Courts of Justice ends by saying
(at para 22):
This Code of Conduct will be kept under review from time to time and may be amended in the future.
There is no doubt that an early review is warranted which should lead to some regulatory oversight being added to make the code more than a PR exercise for the Courts of Justice.
A copy of the code can be found at the link below:
J B Moffatt (Mr)
Director of Information
Celtic League
27/08/11
The Celtic League has branches in the six Celtic Countries. It works to promote cooperation between these countries and campaigns on a broad range of political, cultural and environmental matters. It highlights human rights abuse, monitors all military activity and focuses on socio-economic issues.
TEL (UK)01624 877918 MOBILE (UK)07624 491609
Internet site at:
■