Judges Service

In his Bidding, the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr John Hall said:

At the beginning of the legal year, we gather in the presence of almighty God, who is the judge of all and who knows the secrets of our hearts, to renew our commitment to the service of the Crown and of the all the people in the cause of Justice.

Lessons were read by The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, the Rt Hon Jack Straw MP (1 Kings 3: 16-28); and the Lord Chief Justice, The Rt Hon The Lord Judge (John 8: 2 – 11).

The preacher was the Reverend Dr Jane Hedges, Canon of Westminster. Prayers were led by the Revd Michael Macey, Minor Canon of Westminster. The service was sung by the Choir directed by James O’Donnell, Organist and Master of Choristers. The organ was played by Robert Quinney, Sub Organist.

The service took place after the 11 Justices of the newly-established Supreme Court were sworn in at the court’s headquarters in the former Middlesex Guildhall directly opposite the Abbey.

The Supreme Court Justices will not normally be robed but for the Abbey service they processed to the Great West Door in formal robes – a modernised version of Court of Appeal dress with the Supreme Court seal embroidered at the back.

The Supreme Court is the final court of appeal in the UK for civil cases. It hears appeals in criminal cases from England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It hears cases of the greatest public or constitutional importance affecting the whole population.

See also

The Order of Service

The Sermon