Judges at the Central Family Court are reintroducing robes during proceedings as part of a trial aimed at enhancing formality and safety within family courts, announced HM judiciary.
The decision comes amidst worries over instances of violence and threats faced by judges and court users. During the three-month pilot, authorized by Family Division President Sir Andrew McFarlane, judges will don robes (excluding wigs), while practitioners will not be required to adopt robes.
A survey will be conducted to gauge the impact of robing on family court proceedings, focusing on behavioural incidents experienced by judges and their perceptions of authority and safety.
This initiative follows a concerning incident in December 2023, where a judge was assaulted during a private family hearing, described as “shocking” but deemed “extremely rare” by HM Courts & Tribunals Service. Robing for judges in civil and family cases ceased in 2008.
The pilot coincides with measures to suspend face-to-face mental health tribunal hearings in certain hospitals lacking minimum safety and security standards.
