The sixth version of JOYS, often known as “the Judge Over Your Shoulder,” was just made public.
Since its initial release in 1987, it has remained an essential piece of advice for civil servants on what to anticipate when dealing with government lawyers, enabling efficient collaboration and reducing the possibility of legal challenge.
JOYS focuses on administrative law, the area of law that regulates how the government interacts with its constituents.
It is well-regarded in the legal community and a valuable tool for government employees assisting Ministers in making decisions.
The revised guidance, which was last issued in 2016, has been modernised, updated, and covers the key legislative developments that have occurred in recent years, such as the Judicial Review and Courts Act 2022.
The instances taken into consideration reflect the legal positions in effect as of May 2022, with guidance from government attorneys.
It also takes into account legal ideas like justiciability, proportionality, and consultation.
Share the material with your Civil Service colleagues if you feel comfortable doing so.