History
The creation of the JAC was an important move towards greater separation of powers between the legislature, the executive and the judiciary, and a significant step forward for the constitution and the Country.
In 2003 the Government announced its intention to change the system for making appointments to judicial offices in England and Wales. The reform was an important step towards strengthening the drive to officially enshrine judicial independence in law, enhancing accountability and ensuring greater public confidence.
Lord Falconer, then Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs, asserted that it was no longer acceptable for judicial appointments to be entirely in the hands of a Government Minister.
Accordingly he announced the Government's intention to establish an independent Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) to recommend candidates for judicial appointments on a more transparent basis.
The Constitutional Reform Act
Following extensive consultation, the Constitutional Reform Act (CRA) received Royal Assent in March 2005. The Act enshrined on law the independence of the judiciary and radically changed the way in which Judges are appointed. The JAC was formally established on 3 April 2006.