Legal Definitions - L.JJ.

L.JJ. is an abbreviation for Lords Justices.

In the legal system of England and Wales, Lords Justices are senior judges who primarily sit in the Court of Appeal. This court is responsible for hearing appeals from decisions made by lower courts, such as the High Court or Crown Court. When a case is appealed, a panel of Lords Justices reviews the legal arguments and evidence to determine if the original court made an error in law or procedure.

Here are some examples of how the term applies:

• Example 1: Civil Appeal

  A small business lost a significant contract dispute in the High Court and believes the judge misinterpreted a key clause in the contract. They decide to appeal the decision. The appeal would be heard by a panel of Lords Justices in the Court of Appeal, who would review the legal arguments presented by both sides regarding the contract's interpretation.

  This illustrates how Lords Justices preside over appeals in civil cases, examining whether legal errors occurred in the initial judgment.

• Example 2: Criminal Conviction Appeal

  After being convicted of a serious offense in the Crown Court, an individual's legal team identifies a potential flaw in the judge's directions to the jury regarding a crucial piece of evidence. They lodge an appeal against the conviction. This appeal would be heard by a panel of Lords Justices, who would assess whether the alleged error in the judge's directions rendered the trial unfair or the conviction unsafe.

  This demonstrates the role of Lords Justices in reviewing criminal convictions, ensuring that legal procedures were correctly followed and that justice was served.

• Example 3: Public Law Challenge Appeal

  An environmental charity challenged a government minister's decision to approve a new development, arguing it violated environmental protection laws. The High Court ruled in favor of the government. Dissatisfied, the charity appeals this ruling. The appeal would then be heard by a panel of Lords Justices, who would scrutinize the High Court's interpretation of the environmental laws and the legality of the minister's original decision.

  This showsLords Justices hearing appeals related to public law matters, where the legality of government or public body decisions is under review.