Lord Justice Dyson appointed as the new 12th Justice of the Supreme Court

TUES 23/03/2010 - The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom has today announced that Lord Justice Dyson will be appointed as the new 12th Justice of the UK's highest court.

A High Court judge from 1993 to 2001, including as presiding judge of the Technology and Construction Court, Lord Justice Dyson was promoted to the Court of Appeal in 2001. In 2003 he was made Deputy Head of Civil Justice.

Lord Phillips, President of the Supreme Court, today welcomed the appointment: "I much enjoyed working with Sir John in the Court of Appeal (England & Wales) and have great admiration for his abilities. I and all the Justices look forward to working with him here."

Lord Justice Dyson said: "I am honoured and delighted to be appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court and am excited by the challenge of joining such a distinguished court and the prospect of deciding the most important legal issues of the day."

Lord Justice Dyson was one of four judges who were shortlisted for the position, the other three were Lady Justice Arden; Lord Justice Maurice Kay, and Lord Justice Wilson. In July Sir John narrowly missed being selected for the post of Master of the Rolls, and as such was subsequently the favourite for the Supreme Court position.

As Sir Mark Potter retires in a couple of weeks as President of the Family Division, there has still been no announcement as to who will replace him. According to The Times Jack Straw challenged the appointment of Sir Nicholas Wall because he criticised the Government over its policies, including opening family courts.

However, having not been selected for the Supreme Court, Lord Justice Wilson may now be the preferred choice to head the Family Division.