Baroness Carr discusses justice in Wales, court reform and access to justice in landmark session
The Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales has become the first holder of the office to give evidence to a committee of the Welsh Parliament, marking a notable moment in the relationship between the judiciary and devolved institutions.
The Rt Hon the Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill appeared before the Senedd’s Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee in Cardiff on 2 February 2026. The session represented the first occasion on which a Lord Chief Justice has formally given evidence to a Senedd committee.
During the evidence session, Baroness Carr addressed a range of issues affecting the operation of the justice system in Wales, including access to justice, court performance and the practical impact of devolved legislation. She emphasised the importance of recognising Welsh identity within the legal system, including the role of the Welsh language and the increasing volume of legislation originating from the Senedd.
The Lady Chief Justice noted the strong sense of collegiality within the Welsh judiciary and reaffirmed the long-standing principle that cases arising in Wales should ordinarily be heard in Wales where possible. The committee also heard evidence concerning the condition of the court estate and the challenges posed by case backlogs, alongside ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and performance.
Baroness Carr spoke positively about collaboration between the judiciary and HM Courts & Tribunals Service Wales, describing the relationship as constructive and supportive of reform. She referred to a number of initiatives piloted in Wales that have informed wider developments across the justice system.
Among these were the Pathfinder courts, which aim to reshape the handling of private family law disputes through earlier engagement with families and greater emphasis on the child’s experience. The committee also heard about the introduction of Domestic Abuse Protection Orders in North Wales, intended to strengthen safeguards for victims.
Further examples included a women-focused problem-solving court operating at Swansea Magistrates’ Court and a police witness live-links pilot at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates’ Court, both cited as initiatives designed to improve participation and court processes.
The session provided an opportunity for Senedd members to examine how justice operates within a devolved context and how judicial leadership engages with Welsh institutions. Baroness Carr’s appearance highlighted the increasing engagement between the judiciary and Welsh parliamentary bodies, while maintaining the constitutional independence of the courts.