‘Judicial office is a trust’

APPEAL Court President Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop on Monday urged judicial officers to hold true to the values of “collegiality and institutional loyalty”, which are hallmarks of the profession, even if they are at odds with each other.

McDonald-Bishop, who was speaking following the swearing-in ceremony for six judges who have been appointed to act in higher offices for the Michaelmas term at King’s House, congratulated her colleagues while reminding them that “judicial office is a trust”.

“Two duties matter especially in that trust; collegiality and loyalty to the institution through which we serve our people. Collegiality is more than just being courteous, it asks us to listen carefully, disagree respectfully, support one another generously, and remain faithful to our oath, our conscience and the law,” she stated.