Public opinion and confidence in the judiciary: the Opening of Law Term Address

04/02/2014

Law reform and public affairs

Chief Justice Tom Bathurst yesterday delivered the annual Opening of Law Term Address on "Community Confidence in the Justice System: the Role of Public Opinion". In his speech, the chief justice announced that the Supreme Court, in conjunction with the Bar Association, would hold a series of seminars on the process of judicial decision making in criminal matters. One seminar will be for the media, one for parliamentarians, and one for community representatives, including groups working with victims and offenders. These seminars will include an explanation by judges of the principal matters that the judiciary must take into account in sentencing and will seek to answer questions and address concerns in respect of the process. Read the chief justice's speech [here].