Derby City Council has formally appointed Judge Shaun Smith KC as an Honorary Recorder of Derby, the third person ever to hold the title.

In a ceremony held at the Council House on Tuesday 27 January, the Mayor of the City of Derby, Councillor Ajit Atwal, presented Judge Smith with the title in front of an audience of distinguished guests, including the Lord-Lieutenant and High Sheriff of Derbyshire.

The appointment celebrates Judge Smith’s distinguished career in criminal justice and his current role as Resident Judge at Derby Crown Court. Beyond his legal expertise, the honour recognises his commitment to education, his efforts in widening access to the legal profession, and his continued support at key civic events, such as Remembrance Sunday.

The role, which dates back centuries, is a title given to a senior judge, typically the Resident Judge of the local Crown Court, serving as a vital link between the local authority and judiciary.

In many English boroughs, the Recorder was originally a legal officer appointed by the corporation to "record" the pleas of the court and provide legal counsel to the Mayor. While the modern version of the role is ceremonial, it maintains the ancient tradition of the "Circuit" system, where the law was brought directly to the people of the city.

Councillor Ajit Atwal, Mayor of the City of Derby, said:

It was a privilege to present Judge Shaun Smith KC with this civic honour, celebrating his commitment to our city. His career has been defined not just by a mastery of the law, but by a genuine heart for the people of Derby.

Whether he is presiding over complex cases at the Crown Court or mentoring the next generation of legal professionals, Judge Smith embodies the integrity and public service that this role demands. By welcoming him as our third Honorary Recorder, we are not just observing tradition, we are strengthening the bond between our city’s leadership and justice system.

Judge Shaun Smith KC was appointed as the Resident Judge at Derby Crown Court in 2023, having been a prominent figure in the Midlands legal circuit for decades.