Coalition to turn spotlight on judges
EVERY Victorian would be able to “judge their judges” by comparing their sentencing records online if Matthew Guy wins Saturday’s election.
The Coalition policy, likely to cause controversy among court officials and legal figures, would see a revamped Judicial Commission publish quarterly data on individual members of the judiciary.
The information include: SITTING times of judges and magistrates; THE number of judgments overturned on appeal; DECISION and sentencing records of individuals; and, TIME taken to deliver decisions.
The commission would be able to make recommendations for law changes based on the data, and recidivism rates of offenders may also be published over time.
The Opposition Leader said judges had been protected from scrutiny and accountability.
“All Victorians must have complete confidence in our judges and courts,’’ Mr Guy said.
“Almost every Victorian worker or small businessperson is held accountable daily for the job they do. Judges and magistrates should be no different.”
The reported data would also allow for comparisons on sentences and convictions between different courts.
The Coalition said it would also allow the public to compare sentences with other states.
Judges’ decisions are routinely published but the Coalition says the new website would be a way to better collate them.
Shadow attorney-general John Pesutto said the policy would held identify problem areas, drive reform and better inform the public.
“We strongly support judicial independence, but with independence needs to come scrutiny and accountability, and that requires information to be available on which accountability can be based,’’ Mr Pesutto said.
“Having this greater information available will enable the public to be better informed about the important work of our courts and judges, where the problem areas are, and what further reforms are needed to ensure our justice system is one in which the community can have confidence.”
He said the reforms would also allow the public to access greater detail about delays, sitting hours and adjournments. would