Judge Advocate General (United Kingdom)

In the United Kingdom, the Judge Advocate General and Judge Martial of all the Forces is a judge responsible for the court-martial process within the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force.

The post is regulated by the Courts-Martial (Appeals) Act 1951. The appointment is made by the British Sovereign on the recommendation of the Lord Chancellor. Formerly, the Judge Advocate General had to be a barrister, advocate, or solicitor with higher rights of audience, of 10 years' standing. As of 21 July 2008 the experience needed to qualify was reduced in line with a general move to broaden diversity in the judiciary. An appointee who has practised in England and Wales now has to satisfy the judicial-appointment eligibility condition on a 7-year basis, while a practitioner from Scotland or Northern Ireland will need 7-years' standing as barrister, advocate or solicitor. The post is always held by a civilian rather than a commissioned officer, however an appointee may have previously been a member of the armed forces. In practice the post is held by a Senior Circuit Judge.

The Judge Advocate General can also be appointed from the Vice Judge Advocate General or Assistant Judge Advocates General.

The office of Judge Advocate General was, in Victorian times, a political one, the holder resigning on a change of Government, and remains technically one of the Law Officers of the Crown. The Judge Advocate General was made subordinate to the Lord Chancellor, and since 1951 has been appointed by the Queen on his/her recommendation.

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