Sir Michael John Burton (born 12 November 1946[1]), styled Mr Justice Burton, is a former judge in the High Court of England and Wales.[2] He was the President of the Investigatory Powers Tribunal between October 2013 and September 2018, having been vice-president since its inception in 2000,[3] the Chair of the Central Arbitration Committee for over 17 years (2000 to 2017)[4] and the former President of the Employment Appeal Tribunal (2002–2005),[5][6][7] which was reformed under his presidency.[8] He is an international commercial court judge for the ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market) Courts, which apply English Common Law.[9][10]
Burton is the figurehead of the Investigatory Powers Tribunal since its
inception in 2000 and has played a pivotal role in the UK's world-leading oversight of
its security and intelligence agencies. He has ruled on landmark cases that have had a considerable
impact on the landscape of investigatory powers. He has adapted the Tribunal to
deal with new, wide-ranging counter-terrorism powers and to ensure that it is
working within the law.[12]
He is a widower with four daughters and eleven grandchildren. He founded the Corinne Burton Memorial Trust in 1992 in
memory of his late wife. The trust has funded art therapy for
cancer patients as well as providing support for students wanting to pursue this field. Most notably, he has set up a scholarship fund at Goldsmiths College, London
University which is awarded every year to a student who wishes to study art
psychotherapy with a focus on cancer care. As Chair of the Trust, he maintains an active role in its funding projects, outreach activities and strategic direction.[13]
