Executive Director Speeches 2022 PDF

Do we learn the art of judging through osmosis or judicial education?

Do we learn the art of judging through osmosis or judicial education?

About this publication

Presentation delivered at the Commonwealth Magistrates and Judges Association Conference in Accra, Ghana on 6 September 2022 By

John Carey, JP, PhD
Executive Director
Papua New Guinea Centre for Judicial Excellence (PNGCJE)

Abstract

It has been argued by some that the art of Judging cannot be taught. Such a proposition causes one to conclude that this specialized area in the adjudication of matters in a court is only available for a select few based on educational background and professional experience without a need for any other additional training. However, today jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom through its judiciary in collaboration with professional bodies have created a pre-application judicial education program in an effort to ensure that judges are recruited from a wider pool of talent. Such an initiative may demonstrate the relevance and need for judicial education to facilitate effective judging as those recruited to serve on the bench will be learning the art of judging  in a structured education program. 

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