Harman Review
A System Under Scrutiny
On 8th September 2025, England’s legal system faced a moment of reckoning. A major report, the Harman Review*, exposed widespread bullying by judges across courts in England and Wales.
The findings were stark, and have persisted for years, often in silence:
What is “Judicial Bullying”?
Judicial bullying refers to inappropriate, hostile, or demeaning behaviour by judges toward lawyers, witnesses, or court staff. It is described in the report as:
“Behaviour by judges that crosses the line from effective case management into hostility, humiliation, or intimidation of barristers, especially junior ones, in a way that exploits the power imbalance and undermines professional standards.”
This includes:
Why is it so harmful?
The report highlights that judicial bullying:
Cultural and Structural Causes
According to the review, judicial bullying persists due to:
Proposed Reforms
To combat judicial bullying, the Harman Review recommends:
Real Stories, Real Impact
The Harman Review gathered hundreds of anonymous accounts. One barrister described a judge who “made everyone’s lives a misery.” Others spoke of being reduced to tears or fearing career damage if they spoke out.
Many said they would never file a formal complaint, either because the process felt futile or because they feared retaliation.
Why Has It Gone Unchecked?
Several factors have allowed bullying to persist:
What’s Being Done?
Baroness Harriet Harman KC in her report, has proposed 36 reforms, including:
Official Response
Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr responded swiftly: “Such behaviour is unacceptable and should have no place in our justice system.” She pledged to review complaint procedures and ensure victims can speak out safely.
Why It Matters
Judicial bullying doesn’t just harm individuals, it undermines public trust in the justice system.
You can find a copy of the full Harman report here: https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/static/8ae513e7-07e2-4b20-b49c1c8dbbfa1377/563cbd91-791f-4ce0-9aa12600331609c8/Report-master-file-6.pdf