Facing Up to Actual Bias
James Goudkamp, ‘Facing up to Actual Bias’ (2008) 27 Civil Justice Quarterly pp.32–39 (cited in Jackson v Thompsons Solicitors (A Firm) [2015] EWHC 218 (QB) at [16]).
6 Pages Posted: 1 Mar 2016
Date Written: 2008
Abstract
Discusses the reluctance of the courts to consider allegations of actual bias against judges. Outlines the different types of bias which may be alleged and explains that allegations of actual, rather than apparent or presumed bias, are relatively rare. Suggests reasons why this might be the case, including the fact that it is easier to prove apparent bias and that legal representatives may be wary of alienating a judge. Criticises the reasons given by the House of Lords in R v Gough (Robert) for the courts' discouragement of allegations of actual bias.
Keywords: civil procedure, judicial bias, judicial independence, waiver
JEL Classification: K41
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation