• Home
  • About Us
  • Search Jobs
  • Submit Resume
  • Articles
  • Testimonials
  • Clients
  • Contact Us
Have you taken our Salary Survey?
  • My Account
  • Saved Jobs
  • My Searches
  • My Badges
  • Logout
Partner Jobs
  • About Us
  • Jobs
  • Articles
  • Testimonials
  • Contact Us
Your Career
Find Talent


OR

Submit Resume

Northern Territory Magistrates to be Renamed Judges

By Leslie Zeder
 
546
Views
Tweet

With a lower court bill being passed recently, judiciary title changes are now on the table in the Northern Territory as magistrates seek to shake off the shackles of tradition and be renamed judges (without taking a pay-rise).

Magistrates believe it is only fair they receive the title of ‘judge’ as they essentially do the same work. In 2013-2014 magistrate courts processed 96% of criminal cases alone!

“Magistrates are in a real sense judges. They have the same basic qualifications for appointment as judges and are subject to the same standards to judicial conduct, competence and ethics. The title of magistrate reflects a public service magistracy of a by-gone era” says Chief Magistrate Judge Ray Rinaudo.

Two groups which represent the interests of both magistrates and judges have been lobbying for the name change for years. The Judicial Conference of Australia & the Australian Association of Magistrates are adamant there is no relevant distinction between judges and magistrates and so the difference in title is nonsensical.

“We say the title ‘judge’ should apply to all of the judiciary. Magistrates apply the law and are the sentencing body. In trials they carry out the same function as a judge”, states Brett Dixon, Association President. Mr Dixon is lobbying each Australian state Attorney-general to adopt the NT name changes as well.

Queensland Bar Association President Shane Doyle QC believes the move would achieve uniformity and improve recognition for their work. He is asking the Federal government to weigh in on the issue.

Justice Minister & Attorney General Yvette D’Ath rebuts any talk about similar changes taking place outside of the NT. “I appreciate that the magistrates play an important role in the judicial system but there are currently no plans to adopt changes similar to the Northern Territory”, she says.

Magistrates have been referred to as judges for many years already in the UK, Canada and New Zealand.

The Title Change from Magistrate to Judge Could:

  • Raise the status of the court
  • Help attract high-quality candidates
  • Improve morale through increased recognition for achievements

You might also be interested in:

2019: The year the firms are listening

2019: The year the firms are listening


If I had to wrap up the market in a few sentences this year, I would say that the talent are far more discerning in their approach to roles and the firms are just starting to begin to respond.

The Law Industry Tiers

The Law Industry Tiers


Does the tiered system still hold true in private practice or is it outdated labelling?

The Best Apps on the Market for Business Professionals

The Best Apps on the Market for Business Professionals


What are the most popular applications used by business professionals in Australia? 


Find Law Jobs Here: http://www.lawjobs.com.au/jobs.aspx

Navigate
  • Home
  • Submit Resume
  • News / Blogs
About Us
  • About Us
  • Testimonials
  • Contact Us
Links
  • LawJobs.com.au
Copyright 2021 PC Recruitment Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy - Cookies