§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment he has made of the research report, "Paths to Justice", published by the Nuffield Foundation, in respect of public confidence in the judiciary. [100445]
§ Jane KennedyThe Lord Chancellor and I are both very grateful to Professor Genn for undertaking the research in "Paths to Justice". The report reveals that the perception of judges is inconsistent with the true facts, as evidenced by the high level of satisfaction with judges which most court users report—a level of satisfaction which is remarkable, considering that in every court case there has to be a winner and a loser, and therefore a disappointed party. It is important that deserved public confidence in the judiciary is maintained.