Lord Justice of Appeal

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A Lord Justice of Appeal (LJ in court report notation, plural LJJ) is an ordinary judge of the Court of Appeal of England and Wales, the appeals division of the High Court of Justice. The style was provided for by the Supreme Court of Judicature Act 1877. The number was fixed at five by the Supreme Court of Judicature Act 1881, but has since been increased. Lord Justices are selected from the ranks of senior judges, in practice High Court judges with lengthy experience, appointed by the Queen on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.

Applications for permission to appeal a ruling of an inferior court (usually from the Crown Court in criminal matters and the High Court of Justice in civil matters but in some instances from a County Court) are heard by a single Lord Justice, and a full appeal is heard by three Lord Justices.

In court, a Lord Justice's apparel consists of a black silk gown, court coat or waistcoat and a short bench wig. On ceremonial occasions more elaborate robes and wigs are worn.