Caroline Swift

Who is Caroline Swift?

Dame Caroline Jane Swift, Lady Openshaw, DBE QC styled The Hon. Mrs Justice Swift, was leading counsel to the Inquiry in the Shipman Inquiry, which began in 2001.

Swift was educated at St Aidan's College, Durham University and was called to the Bar, Inner Temple in 1977. The following year she began practising on the Northern Circuit, later becoming Assistant Recorder from 1992 until 1995, and QC in 1993. She became a Recorder in 1995, a Bencher in 1997.

On 4 November 2005, Swift was created a DBE upon her appointment as a Justice of the High Court. Her husband, Peter Openshaw, is also a High Court Judge, and was sworn in on the same day.