When it Gets Personal: Addressing Judicial Bullying

Join the Honourable Chief Judge Peter Kidd and Alexis Eddy Director of the Judicial Commission of Victoria in an engaging and highly interactive discussion that explores bullying within the court.

The expert panel will explore the recent findings around Judicial Bullying by the  Commission, through an everyday courtroom case study. Joined by David Hallowes S.C. and Stella Gold from the Bar, the panel will be chaired by Lisa Hannon KC and explore how judicial bullying occurs in courts, the importance of professional standards and ethics for the judiciary, and how standards decline when things get personal.

Audience participants will be invited to step into the shoes of the Commission by evaluating the case study in real time using interactive technology. As the summer break approaches, When it Gets Personal, enables colleagues to articulate different perspectives, view the bench from new angles and refresh awareness of the art of courtcraft.

In May 2023, Judicial released the “Judicial Conduct Guideline – Judicial Bullying” after extensive consultation with the sector, including barristers from across the bar. The Guideline defines judicial bullying, presents examples of acceptable and unacceptable conduct, and provides insight into the Commission’s decision-making process. In the age of accountability at courts, raising conduct issues is increasingly seen as a chance to change cultural norms by providing feedback and to maximise professional longevity.

The Victorian Bar has a judicial conduct policy with, amongst others, the County Court around raising issues or concerns in a confidential way about judicial officers' conduct.

The Victorian Bar can also make a complaint to the Commission on behalf of a member of the Bar, who can remain anonymous (s. 6 JCV Act). To date, no such complaints have been made. The panel will explore both options and discuss barriers to making complaints.   

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This is an in-person event only