Long-serving advocate to become a judge
AN EXPERIENCED advocate has been appointed as the new judge of the Royal Court.
Catherine Fooks will take over from Russell Finch, who has held the post since it was created in 2005.
The appointment was announced at yesterday’s sitting of Chief Pleas, the start of the legal year, which was held at St James.
Advocate Fooks was born and educated in Guernsey. She was called to the English Bar in 1988 and to the Guernsey Bar the following year.
The Bailiff, Richard McMahon, said he was delighted that Advocate Fooks would be joining the bench in 2021.
The origin of Chief Pleas can be traced back to the 13th century. The court used to sit three times per year but since 2004 it has sat at Michaelmas only.
Members of the Guernsey Bar, seigneurs and parish constables are obliged to attend. The latter have to confirm that all quarries have been inspected and are considered safe.
Although it is a court, Chief Pleas has never had a judicial function and its legislative powers were removed in 1948. Its principal purpose now is a reporting one.
The Lt-Governor, Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder, was attending Chief Pleas for the last time yesterday, as his term of office will finish at the end of summer next year.
Seven judges retook their oaths as Lt-Bailiffs.
Mr McMahon said: ‘I believe that one of the most significant changes for the Royal Court has been the creation of such a distinguished body of locally-resident part-time judges, for which the credit must go to Sir Richard [Collas].’
He said there was one notable absence.
Philip Robey, who served for a decade as a judge of the Magistrate’s Court, has decided to re-locate to England and will leave the island shortly.
‘Not only did he make a valuable contribution to court life, for which I wish to thank him this morning, he was my best man when Sue-Yin and I married,’ said Mr McMahon.
‘We very much hope that he and Judith enjoy being closer to their daughters and grandchildren and wish them all well.
Former HM Procureur Nik Van Leuven took the oath as seneschal of the Fief de Blanchelande, replacing Dudley Jehan, who had held the position for 20 years.
Following the sitting of Chief Pleas, members of the court traditionally proceed to the Town Church for the annual service. Robes could not be worn yesterday due to the weather.
