No to Late Court Sittings

It is unfair and discriminatory for Court staff, Judges, Barristers, Solicitors, and court users, particularly those with children. It will have a detrimental impact on well-being and diversity at the Bar and Judiciary. It is hard enough for parents at the Bar to make it work. It jeopardises work-life balance. It is impractical and fails to take account of the cab-rank rule, listing practices, and that lawyers need time to prepare their cases and travel to and from court. Overall, all those working in the courts deserve to have a good work/life balance, and the ability to see their children. This should not be forced upon lawyers, Judges and Court staff. This is a regressive step and a barrier to greater diversity in the profession and on the bench and in particular will be a further obstacle to the retention of women.