Conduct of judges attracts 106 complaints

The first year New Zealanders have been able to formally protest about the performance of judges saw 106 complaints lodged.

The office of Judicial Conduct Commissioner was created in 2004, and the commissioner, Ian Haynes, presented his first annual report yesterday.

He considered 106 complaints, with allegations including bias, sexism, delays, incompetence, unfairness, inappropriate remarks, failure to listen and predetermination.

Six complaints were referred to the head of the bench for further consideration, but none warranted a recommendation to the Attorney-General to appoint a Judicial Conduct Panel to review the complaint - the strongest measure the commissioner can take. Eleven complaints were still outstanding at July 31.

The report said most complaints had been dismissed because they were claims a judge had made a wrong decision, and hence the case should have gone to appeal.

The commissioner also recommended three amendments to the act which set up his office: The ability to appoint a substitute in case of conflict of interest or illness; the right to decide to take no further action on a complaint; and the right to dismiss a protest where the complainant refused to provide information requested by the commissioner.


Court by court

* District Court 45
* Family Court 34
* High Court 7
* Court of Appeal 17 (16 from one complainant)
* Environment Court 1
* Employment Court 1
* Maori Land Court 1