Nudist claims northern judges may have unconscious biases against his lifestyle'

"Counsel submit that naturism, which is at the heart of this case, can evoke both conscious and unconscious biases. It is said that hearing the matter in London may be less likely to provoke those against the appellant's lifestyle than may occur if his case is heard in a smaller court centre/jurisdiction. The appellant is also said to have a concern that transferring the case to Manchester may result in a greater likelihood of unconscious bias impacting the impartiality of the outcome."

"She added: I am not persuaded by these arguments. The Civil Justice Centre in Manchester is one of the largest court centres in the UK. Its judges and staff are well used to dealing with any sensitive situations that arise as a result of public attendance at hearings. There is no proper basis for suggesting that a judge sitting in the Administrative Court in Manchester is more likely to have unconscious bias against naturists than a judge sitting in the Administrative Court in London."

Neil Cox is challenging Chester Crown Court's dismissal of his appeal against a public order offence conviction arising from an incident in Macclesfield in August 2023. His lawyers sought transfer to London, arguing a London hearing would be quicker and less susceptible to conscious or unconscious bias against naturism. Mrs Justice Hill refused the transfer and ordered the hearing at the Civil Justice Centre in Manchester. She said the Manchester centre is a large court with judges and staff accustomed to sensitive public hearings and found no proper basis to conclude Manchester judges would be more likely to show unconscious bias.

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