The topics discussed included:
- The MAC List Pro Bono Scheme – this is in the course of being set up, with aim of improving access to justice for litigants in person, more efficient manage of cases involving litigants in person and providing professional development and trial experience for specialist junior counsel. The Committee welcomed the work of sub-committee on this and looked forward to being updated on progress.
- MAC List Update – was noted that Trinity term was busy, that there would be two MAC List vacation sitting weeks, one in August and one in September. Work was underway on improvements to MAC List data/statistics.
- Transparency and Open Justice – the Membership and terms of reference [pdf] of the Transparency and Open Justice Board were noted and Nicklin J’s recent lecture [pdf] dealing with some of the Board’s objectives. The Board aims to beginning recruiting to the Stakeholder Committee in mid June 2024. The Board will then engage with the Stakeholder Committee on the preparation of key objectives.
- Masters’ Report – the Committee’s attention was drawn to litigants attempt to jump Masters listing by going straight to KB judges listing. This is discouraged.
The Minutes of the meeting are available here [doc].
For any specific inquiries about the committee/list, please contact the clerks via MACLUG@justice.gov.uk.
The Media and Communications List was established in 2017 and, from 1 October 2019 became a specialist list of what is now the King’s Bench Division.