We are delighted by the decision on Thursday 12 December 2024 by the Panel chaired by HH Judge Nicholas Ainley to dismiss the Bar Standards Board’s case against our distinguished member of Chambers, Dr. Charlotte Proudman, which has received much press coverage. The Bar Tribunal and Adjudication Services Panel ruled that there was no case to answer against her, she had not breached any code of conduct, and was within her right to express her opinion. The charges stemmed from a Twitter thread in which Dr. Proudman criticised a judgment in a domestic abuse case, highlighting attitudes she described as reflective of a “boys’ club” culture.
The tribunal upheld Dr. Proudman’s right to freedom of expression under Article 10, affirming that her comments were protected speech. The tribunal’s chair, Judge Nicholas Ainley, emphasised the resilience of the judiciary, stating, “The judiciary of England and Wales is far more robust than that.”
Dr Proudman points out that this decision marks an important moment within the legal profession, reinforcing the right of barristers to challenge systemic attitudes that perpetuate injustice. Dr. Proudman has described the case as a “turning point for women’s rights and a barrister’s freedom to speak out against domestic abuse.”
Related barristers: Dr Charlotte Proudman
