Press Release
DRC calls for specific measures to tackle disabled people's representation in judicial roles
13th July 2005
Government plans to widen the pool of applicants able to become judges were welcomed by the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) today.
But the absence of disabled people in judicial roles throughout the legal system was cited by the Commission as another 'shameful example of a society which fails to consider them as equal citizens.'
Speaking today the DRC called on the Government to include specific measures in their plans aimed at increasing the numbers of disabled people in judicial roles;
'Efforts to increase judicial diversity must mean improving on the low levels of disabled legal professionals acting as judges. We are very keen to work with the Department of Constitutional Affairs (DCA) on how to substantially increase the numbers of disabled members of the judiciary. We should be clear though that it is not just about recruiting, but also about making any reasonable adjustments necessary to enable disabled judges to carry out their roles to their maximum potential.'
The Commission continued:
'Cases have come to our attention highlighting the immense challenge that the legal system has in becoming more user friendly to disabled people. A disabled juror was discharged from a case because there was no wheelchair access to the jury room. The time taken to hear a disabled litigant's legal case was extended because of the failure to secure a sign language interpreter. These barriers are just as pervasive for disabled lawyers and together contribute to the invisibility of disabled people on the bench and as equal citizens.'
Along with judicial roles the Commission also emphasised the need for lay members of tribunals to reflect the population as a whole, and to include disabled people, with proper resources and support in place.
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