You have 1 free article left this month.
Become a Premium Member to enjoy a wide range of benefits.
You have 1 free article left this month.

Lawyers Weekly - legal news for Australian lawyers

Powered by MOMENTUM MEDIA
lawyers weekly logo
The Bar

New investigations into complaints about judges

Victoria has cautiously backed an inquiry into complaints about judges and magistrates following concerns about a magistrate's speeding irregularities.

July 14, 2009 By Kate Gibbs
expand image

The peak Victorian legal representative body has cautiously backed an inquiry into complaints about judges and magistrates following concerns about a magistrate's speeding irregularities. 

Law Institute of Victoria president Danny Barlow said calls for a commission to examine complaints would be worth investigating. 

"It is important to ensure that judges and magistrates are subject to the same type of complaint mechanisms as others," Barlow said. 

“The public must have confidence that the judiciary are also following the rules.”

Barlow said courts should handle complaints according to generally accepted standards in the community.

“We need a modern system of inquiry, not the outdated tell-a-supervisor model.

“The second issue is that only Parliament can dismiss a magistrate.”

Victoria's Chief Magistrate Ian Gray's call for the commission comes after investigations into an alleged irregularity relating to a speeding ticket received by Victorian magistrate Carmen Randazzo, whose father is Antonio Randazzo, a senator in the Italian Parliament. 

Carmen Randazzo resigned last month after the investigation, but it is understood police do not intend to charge her with any offence relating to the matter. 

The Age newspaper reported in May that the junior Randazzo was booked for speeding nine times in February and March last year. Several of those were made in her Department of Justice-issued car.

The same newspaper reported that she told the Department of Justice that Antonio Randdazzo was driving her car at the time the fines were incurred. But an officer in the department was believed to have queried the explanation, suggesting that he was overseas at the time. 

When told of the speeding fine issue, Antonio Randazzo said: "I know nothing about it." 


Tags
Comments (0)
    Avatar
    Attach images by dragging & dropping or by selecting them.
    The maximum file size for uploads is MB. Only files are allowed.
     
    The maximum number of 3 allowed files to upload has been reached. If you want to upload more files you have to delete one of the existing uploaded files first.
    The maximum number of 3 allowed files to upload has been reached. If you want to upload more files you have to delete one of the existing uploaded files first.
    Posting as
    You need to be a member to post comments. Become a member today
    Got a tip for us?
    If you have any news tips or stories to share, feel free to send them our way.
    Momentum Media Logo
    Most Innovative Company