Start of Legal Year Marked at the Cathedral with Centuries-Old Oxfordshire Tradition

The Legal Service, which marks the beginning of the legal year, is one of Oxfordshire’s oldest traditions. It is hosted by Oxfordshire’s High Sherriff (currently Jawaid Malik), whose duties focus on supporting the judiciary and the rule of law in Oxfordshire. 

It originally took place on the first day of the autumn Assizes, a series of visits to the city by a High Court judge to hear criminal and civil cases from the county. While the Assize system was abolished in 1971, we have continued to hold the Legal Service as a celebration of the rule of law and the work of the judiciary. Many members of the legal profession attend the service alongside the Deputy Lord Lieutenant, civic leaders, and representatives of Oxford University, wearing their full ceremonial attire. 

During the service of Choral Evensong, white gloves were presented to Mr Justice Choudhury, one of two Presiding Judges of the High Court’s Midland Circuit, by the Lord Mayor of Oxford Chewe Mukonga, to thank him and his fellow legal professionals for their work in Oxfordshire. Gloves were also presented to The Revd Dr Nicholas Austin SJ, Master of Campion Hall and Senior Fellow in Theological Ethics, by Oxford University’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Professor Helen Moore, to thank those who support and guide the legal profession. The Glove Ceremony once took place in the Dean of Christ Church’s dining room each year, but since 2020 has been open to the public as part of the Legal Service. 

Following the Glove Ceremony, Revd Dr Austin preached the annual Court Sermon. This address is given as part of the Legal Service by a speaker nominated by Oxford University, and represents the first University Sermon of the academic year. Revd Dr Austin gave a fascinating address on the balance between mercy and justice in legal and religious ethics, and a recording of his sermon is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Mo4Y7_HBmE. 

The Legal Service takes place in mid-October at the Cathedral every year. To find out more about attending a service at the Cathedral, visit https://www.chch.ox.ac.uk/cathedral/worship-and-music.