ABSTRACT
High Court judges are also known as ‘puisne’ judges (in the sense that they are not superior court judges) or justices of the High Court and are appointed by the Queen on the Lord Chancellor’s advice. Formerly, barristers of at least 10 years’ standing were eligible, but s 71 and Sched 10 to the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990 provide for appointment from those with a 10 year High Court qualification or from circuit judges in post for at least two years. There are at present 106 High Court judges assigned throughout the three divisions, and they hear the most serious offences in the Crown Court.
