The final sitting of Judge Philip Connell
If Judge Philip Connell’s eyebrow rose during a lawyer’s argument, it was a sign to stop quickly and proceed carefully.
That’s according to Hamilton Crown solicitor Jacinda Hamilton, who called the strip of hair a ‘‘judicial traffic light’’.
It was well-known enough it could have had its own Instagram account, she told the crowd at Judge Connell’s final sitting. Wellwishers filled a room at Hamilton District Court on Friday – people were packed into the jury box, and extra seats were added.
Judge Connell said he’d had no idea his eyebrow could stop proceedings.
‘‘I’m truly apologetic . . . It’s interesting to find out things that are new about yourself.’’
The judge initially planned to be a drummer in a rock band but, at 23, realised he didn’t have the talent, he said. The lawyers he’d flatted with ‘‘seemed to know everything’’ so he decided to study law.
That led to 40 years of defending, prosecuting and judging people accused of the most serious crimes, said Judge Garry Collin, who presided over the sitting.
As a job that could be grindingly relentless, and at times tragic, sad, and hopeless, support from colleagues, family, and friends was vital, Judge Collin said.
And Judge Connell was keen to thank everyone from his judicial colleagues to his PA, as well as family and friends. Many showed up to farewell him, and the gathering of 25 or so judges, coroners and a community magistrate, was the largest at Hamilton District Court for a long time, the court heard.
Judge Connell’s impact on the system included pushing for a review of Hamilton’s understaffed registry which led to 22 new appointments, starting a family violence court which ultimately proved short-lived, and pushing for an audiovisual link pilot to set up practices that were vital during Covid-19.
He could also deliver a firm message in a precise and compassionate way, and was known as a man with a heart, Crown solicitor Hamilton said.
‘‘You understand the work done here is very important to the people on the other end of it.’’
Judge Connell told the crowd that he never took sending someone to jail lightly. Over the years, he was pleased to see more diversity of cultures and genders among those working in court.
Family violence had remained a concern, and he had watched agencies he considered among the most important – such as Tuu Oho Mai, formerly HAIP, and Women’s Refuge – run on little money and without Government help.
Local NZ Law Society branch president Terry Singh recalled Judge Connell giving inexperienced lawyers time to collect their thoughts, or offering suggestions to assist.
‘‘I’ve seen you shut down a defendant who starts to attack a lawyer, so we can get through the matter,’’ he said.
And Singh appreciated the way Judge Connell was also comfortable outside the land of law.
‘‘When your robes come off, you can talk about anything that anyone else in the street is talking about.’’
The final sitting was unlikely to be Judge Connell’s last time in Hamilton District Court, as a temporary warrant allowed him to work from time to time over the next few years.