Recorder (judge)
A Recorder is a judicial officer in England and Wales. It now refers to two quite different appointments. The ancient Recorderships of England and Wales now form part of a system of Honorary Recorderships which are filled by the most senior full-time circuit judges. A modern system of statutory Recorders, on the other hand, has since 1971 appointed barristers and solicitors to part-time positions as judges, who sit for 3–6 weeks a year with the powers of Circuit Judges.
Formerly, a Recorder was a certain magistrate or judge having criminal and civil jurisdiction in a city or borough. A recorder was originally an appointed person with legal knowledge by the mayor and aldermen to 'record' the proceedings of their courts and the customs of the city. Such recordings were regarded as the highest evidence of fact.
The Recorder of London, is still appointed by the Court of Aldermen and is a member of it. In other areas, the appointment is made by the Crown. The duties of the office are regulated by the Municipal Corporations Act of 5 and 6 William IV and subsequent enactments.
Where the position of borough Recorder is sought to be made by local councils the Lord Chief Justice set out "Guidelines for the Appointment of Honorary Recorders" stating the process of appointment that where it has been the practice of most large City Councils to appoint the Resident Judge to be Honorary Recorder of the city during his tenure of the office.
The appointment of an Honorary Recorder is made by the borough council concerned, and does not require the approval of the Lord Chancellor or the Lord Chief Justice, but the Lord Chief Justice would be pleased if boroughs considering making such an appointment would first consult the Senior Presiding Judge for England and Wales.
Read more about Recorder (judge): Historic Office and Honorary Recorders, Recorders As Part-time Appointments, Formal Appointments of Titular and Honorific Recorders, List of Recorders