The full Equal Treatment Bench Book, updated in December 2008. Download the zip file [1.12MB] or see separate PDF's:

The Equal Treatment Bench Book has been updated to include guidance on specific learning difficulties - where only some areas of functioning are affected. The guidance is intended to help judges recognise such difficulties, identify their implications in a court setting and understand what should be done to compensate for areas of disadvantage without prejudicing other parties.

Contents [70KB]
Part 1: Equality and justice [267KB]
Part 2: Race and justice [114KB]
Part 3: Belief systems [299KB]
Part 4: Children and the courts [99KB]
Part 5: Disability [182KB]
Part 6: Women and equality [119KB]
Part 7: Sexual orientation [78KB]
Index [83KB]

MoJ Policy on reasonable adjustment for judicial office holders with disabilities 15 August 2007
Guidance on the wearing of the full veil, or niqab, in court updated in March 2008 [304KB]

The chapters of the Equal Treatment Bench Book are also provided below in Word Format.

1. Equality and Justice [Word format | 409KB]
2. Race and Justice [Word format | 136KB]
3. Belief systems [Word format | 344KB]
4. Children and the Courts [Word format | 124KB]
5. Disability  [Word format | 192KB]
6. Women and equality [Word format | 111KB]
7. Sexual orientation [Word format | 61KB]

If you have any questions regarding this publication please contact:

Publications Co-Ordinator
The Judicial Studies Board
6th Floor, Steel House
11 Tothill Street, London
SW1H 9LJ

publications@jsb.gsi.gov.uk