The Judicial Commission of Victoria has published a Judicial Conduct Guideline on Judicial Bullying following consultation with the Victorian legal and court sector.
It provides guidance on what constitutes judicial bullying and makes it clear that it breaches the standards of conduct expected of judicial officers. It also offers guidance on factors that can contribute to judicial bullying and outlines the impact on those who experience it. Importantly it states how the Commission addresses complaints and the potential outcomes.
The Guideline supplements the Australasian Institute for Judicial Administration’s (AIJA) Guide to Judicial Conduct, which provides guidance for judicial officers about a broad range of conduct and ethical issues and has been adopted by the Commission.
The Guideline applies to all judicial officers and VCAT members in all work related activities.
Feedback from the Commission's consultation confirmed that judicial bullying is an important issue with significant consequences for legal practitioners, court users, staff, the judiciary, and the broader community. A paper summarising the key findings from the consultation and recommendations made has also been published and includes nine recommendations to prevent and address judicial bullying, such as publishing the Guideline, providing judicial education, and increasing awareness of the Commission's role and processes.
The Chair of the Judicial Commission, Chief Justice Anne Ferguson states:
Judicial officers have a responsibility to ensure they create a safe and respectful workplace and model appropriate workplace behaviour. I am grateful for the support already provided by judicial officers to me and the other heads of jurisdiction as we attempt to address the issue of judicial bullying.
You can access the Guideline, a summary paper of the consultation's key findings, and a message from the Chief Justice through the provided links below.
Judicial Conduct Guideline: Judicial Bullying;
Judicial Bullying: Summary paper - consultation and recommendations
A message from Chief Justice Ferguson
Furthermore, the Judicial College of Victoria has developed a diverse and extensive calendar of events designed to support judicial officers in enhancing their courtcraft, conduct, and professional development. To view a pamphlet highlighting these events, please click here.