Individuals directly impacted by the alleged misconduct of a judicial officer, even if they did not formally file the complaint, will now have access to rights such as being informed about the progress of the complaint?

The Judicial Conduct Commissioner is now required to publish clear guidelines on how judicial conduct panels are to be convened, how inquiries should be conducted, and how evidence should be handled during these inquiries.

Rules which provide for looking after witnesses in regular court trials - e.g. testifying behind a screen, over video link etc are now applied to witnesses in Judicial Conduct Panel investigations. These also protect Judicial Officers themselves if they are required to give evidence before a Judicial Inquiry.

Individuals involved in the inquiry, including judicial officers and complainants, are guaranteed the right to legal representation. Other participants may be allowed representation at the panel's discretion, considering factors like their role and potential for adverse findings