Recorder of Belfast facts for kids
The Recorder of Belfast is a very important judge in Northern Ireland. They are one of two senior judges called "Recorders," the other being the Recorder of Derry.
These judges work in the County Courts. They help solve disagreements between people, like problems with money or consumer claims. They also hear appeals from other courts, which means they review decisions made by lower courts. When they deal with cases about families and children, they are called Family Care Centre judges. The Recorder of Belfast is considered the most senior County Court judge in Northern Ireland.
History of the Recorder
The role of the Recorder of Belfast has been around for a long time. In 1876, the Recorder worked many sessions each year, including special sessions for County Antrim.
In 1882, there was a question in the House of Commons about the Recorder of Belfast also working as an assessor for the Harbour Commissioners. This was allowed because the Recorder had this extra job before a law was made in 1877.
The official title of "Recorder of Belfast" was confirmed by a law in 1959 called the County Courts Act (Northern Ireland). This law said that the main judge for the Belfast area would be called the Recorder of Belfast.
In 2005, something new happened: a solicitor named Thomas Burgess became the Recorder. Before this, only barristers held the role. Then, in 2006, the Recorder's job became even bigger. They became the main judge in charge of all the County Courts.
The Recorder also has a special civic role in Belfast. They are considered the "Second Citizen" of the city, right after the Lord Mayor.
What the Recorder Earns
In 2010, it was reported that the Recorder of Belfast earned about £149,631 each year. This was actually more than the British Prime Minister earned at that time! Other senior judges in Northern Ireland's High Court earned even more. The Recorder's salary was higher because they are the main judge for the County Courts and also handle very serious cases.
People Who Have Been Recorder
Many important people have served as the Recorder of Belfast over the years. Here are some of them:
- 1873 to 1884: John Hastings Otway
- 1884 to 1887: David Ross
- 1899 to 1909: Henry Fitzgibbon
- 1909 to 1910: James Johnston Shaw
- 1911 to 1919: John Walker Craig
- 1919 to 1921: Charles Louis Matheson
- 1921 to 1927: Daniel Martin Wilson
- 1927 to 1941: Herbert Marshall Thompson
- 1941 to 1943: Arthur Black
- 1952 to 1959: Bernard Joshua Fox
- 1959 to 1978: Walter Topping
- 1978 to 1982: James Alexander Brown
- 1982 to 1984: Eoin Higgins
- 1984 to 1997: Frank Russell
- 2005 to 2012: Thomas Burgess
- 2012 to date: David McFarland
