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I laughed when I saw the JAC recruitment process described as "on merit".

It is in fact a series of exams skewed towards the experience and training of barristers and clerks, with revision to do before hand which only the little employed who can't make a living have the time to do, all centring on the latest fashion, critical reasoning, which wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't that law is a process of mechanical reasoning.

This is hardly the way to select a Stipe. This role needs presence, a highly respected and experienced solicitor.

I'm disappointed at the recent DJ and DDJ appointments. A number are ghosts, ie those who put their own pocket before justice. Except one who is clearly completely bored, most are barristers or HCAs I don't rate and wouldn't instruct.

This role requires a width of experience that goes far beyond crown court advocacy. They need police station, case management and solicitor's office experience, to make just, effective, pragmatic decisions quickly. None of this is reflected in the JAC assessment process.