New Commissioner to hear “complex and important” family cases

Monday 18 December 2023

A children and family law specialist has been appointed as the Royal Court’s newest Commissioner – the first serving member of the English judiciary to take on the role.

Her Honour Judge Caroline Wright, the designated Family Judge for Wiltshire, has agreed to sit as a Commissioner specialising in children and family work, the Bailiff's Chambers confirmed today.

"I warmly welcome Judge Wright to the Jersey judiciary," said the Bailiff, Sir Timothy Le Cocq.

She is the first serving member of the English judiciary to be appointed as a Commissioner of the Royal Court and we are delighted that she is bringing her particular expertise to bear on these complex and important cases."

The appointment of three individuals to roles on the Mental Health Review Tribunal has also been announced.

After Advocate Rebecca Morley-Kirk was appointed Judicial Greffier, a vacancy arose for the position of Chair of the Mental Health Review Tribunal.

Pictured: Appointments have been made to the Mental Health Review Tribunal, after its former Chair, Advocate Rebecca Morley-Kirk, became Judicial Greffier.

That will now be taken by Advocate Davida Blackmore, while Advocate Julia-Anne Dix will become Vice-Chair. Advocate Dr Elena Moran has been named Deputy Chair.

"I am also very grateful to Advocate Blackmore, Advocate Dix and Advocate Dr Moran for applying to sit as Tribunal Chairs of the Mental Health Review Tribunal and congratulate them on their appointment," the Bailiff added.

"This is important and difficult work involving as it does the liberty of persons who are detained under the provisions of the Mental Health Law. We are fortunate that candidates of such calibre have applied to sit on these matters."

Pictured top: Her Honour Judge Caroline Wright. (Max Burnett)