We, the undersigned, respectfully petition for the adoption of a binding, system-wide requirement for full disclosure of judges’ career histories and relevant interests (past and present).

The reality and appearance of impartiality are cornerstones of public confidence in the administration of justice. Without routine, proactive disclosure, parties cannot meaningfully assess conflicts; the public cannot scrutinise perceived bias; and the judiciary itself is left vulnerable to avoidable controversy.

Who is affected?
Litigants and defendants. They need timely knowledge of prior roles and affiliations to raise conflict concerns, seek recusal where appropriate, or give informed consent to proceed.
The public at large. Courts derive legitimacy from public trust; opacity undermines confidence in the rule of law.
Legal practitioners. Non-disclosure distorts the level playing field and burdens advocates with last-minute, ad hoc inquiries.
The judiciary. Clear disclosure obligations protect judges from unfounded allegations and reinforce independence.

What is at stake?
Fair trial rights. Article 6 ECHR requires a hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal; transparent disclosure is a practical safeguard for that standard. 

The House of Lords held  “The question is whether the fair-minded and informed observer, having considered the facts, would conclude that there was a real possibility that the tribunal was biased.”

Bias in law does not have to be actual. A real possibility of perceived bias (apparent bias) is enough to disqualify a judge or set aside a decision. This bias can is more prevalent than one may suspect  given the route to being a Judge is following the pathway of once being a Solicitor to Barrister, where networking and often working for leading law firms would be inevitable. 

Why is now the time to act?
Modern transparency standards. Unlike MPs and many public bodies with published registers, the senior judiciary currently relies mainly on ad hoc declarations; there is no comprehensive public register of interests for Supreme Court Justices or other senior judges. 

The Guide to Judicial Conduct (2023) updates conflict guidance and recusal expectations, but it does not create a public, system-wide register or require full career history disclosure. 

Public mandate is emerging. Prior petitions and policy debate show growing public expectation for a judicial register of interests akin to other branches. Petitions - UK Government and Parliament