Lawyers are uneasy over the lax system of policing senior judges, and many believe cover-ups of embarrassing episodes are taking place – despite general confidence in the UK's judicial standards. Claire Ruckin reports on the latest Big Question survey

Nearly half of respondents said they believe the judiciary has probably attempted to cover up embarrassing episodes in the past, according to the latest Legal Week/EJ Legal Big Question survey.

The survey, which questions more than 100 senior UK lawyers, also found that more than two-thirds believe there is little effective policing of judges. Less than 10% believe judges are untouchable, but 62% think there is currently only a limited system that is only effective in extreme circumstances.