Lord Lane, who retired as England's Lord Chief Justice in 1992, was criticized at length for his irascibility, seemingly unpredictable dislikes, his opposition to legal reforms and his handling of miscarriages of justice. There were many calls for his resignation, including a motion signed by 142 Members of Parliament. His predecessor, Lord Widgery, remained in office despite suffering from senile dementia, growing almost inaudible in court and sometimes falling asleep on the bench.