Swearing-in of Lord Justice Leggatt as Justice of the Supreme Court
Tuesday 21 April 2020, 12noon
Closed ceremony at the Supreme Court
Watch swearing-in of Lord Leggatt as Justice of the Supreme Court
On Tuesday 21 April The Rt Hon Lord Justice Leggatt (Sir George Leggatt) will be sworn in as Justice of the Supreme Court.
We are making every effort to maintain a functioning court system in support of the administration of justice and rule of law during this challenging time.
As a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the format of the swearing-in ceremony will be significantly modified to ensure that latest Government guidance on social distancing is observed.
The Constitutional Reform Act 2005, which established the Supreme Court, requires that a person who is appointed as a Justice must take the required oaths in the presence of the President of the Court. As such, the ceremony cannot be conducted entirely via video link. Lord Justice Leggatt is due to sit as a Justice of the Supreme Court on 22 April, so his swearing-in cannot be postponed.
The closed ceremony will take place in the Library at the Supreme Court building. Those attending in person will be kept to an absolute minimum. All Justices, except for the Supreme Court President, Lord Reed, will attend ‘virtually’ and take part by video conference.
Lord Justice Leggatt’s appointment was announced by 10 Downing Street on 24 July 2019. He replaces Lord Carnwath, who retired on 6 March 2020.
Swearing-in ceremonies usually take place in Courtroom One and are attended by all Justices, as well as by the family and friends of the person being sworn in. A ceremony of the usual kind will be held for Lord Justice Leggatt when circumstances allow, at which time he can renew the oaths that he will take on 21 April.
A video recording of the ceremony will be made available on the Supreme Court website and YouTube channel a short time after the ceremony.
The Supreme Court building in Parliament Square remains closed to the public until further notice. Hearings are being conducted via video conferencing facilities and judgments are being handed down remotely, streamed via the Supreme Court website.
Useful links
Watch swearing-in of Lord Leggatt as Justice of the Supreme Court