I also wanted good commercial law experience on the bench,” Mr Finlayson says. Tony Randerson recently retired from the bench. Justice Randerson says that’s a question which is widely misunderstood. Before a case, the judge should lead a preview and agree a line of questioning. Becoming a justice of the peace is a relatively simple process that includes meeting a few basic requirements and filling out an application. “It depends on the length and complexity of the trial but it can be a huge amount of work and it’s often done under immense pressure because the pace of a criminal trial is such that you can’t keep a jury waiting while you prepare your closing address. It’s pretty near impossible to go home at five or six o’clock and just turn your mind off. Becoming a judge involves extensive education and experience to develop the necessary skills, knowledge and abilities involved with the job. NZ Championships Results; Judging . “An appeal hearing might only last half a day or perhaps two days at the most even though the case has taken weeks to conclude in the trial court,” he says. “There were many qualified candidates that could have been appointed. “I found appeals from those courts very interesting because they were fields in which I had little or no prior experience,” he says. Christopher Finlayson says the personal politics of a lawyer play no part in choosing judges. “That was what I did during the last seven years of my judicial life. Judge Laurie Newhook was Head of the New Zealand Environment Court from August 2011 until his retirement in July 2020, and a Judge of the Court from 2001. To become a JP, Mr Wood needed letters of recommendation from several community groups. Being calm under stress is a skill that can’t be bought but is a vital tool in a judge’s kit, along with having the confidence and respect of the existing bench. “The view you take of a trial, where it’s going and what the outcome might be at one point can change radically when you hear further evidence and that’s true of civil trials also. Social and community services ; About the job. Then I thought it would be helpful to get someone on the bench with good knowledge in the public and international law area. The institute’s director, Janine McIntosh, says it provides a range of programmes for judges throughout their career. The Attorney-General acts as an independent law officer of the Crown when making appointments. Mr Hastings will leave the role he has held since October 1999 to become a district court judge and chair the new Immigration and Protection Tribunal. To be considered for appointment, a person must usually have held a New Zealand practising certificate for at least seven years. Getting the summing up to the jury right so that any question of appeal would be minimised. Mr Finlayson and Chief Justice, Dame Sian Elias, have to agree on a shortlist of three possible candidates from which the Attorney-General will appoint one person. The District Court. He recalls an early civil case involving a claim for damage following a mid-air crash between a police helicopter and a small plane in Auckland. They may think differently to male judges, and particularly in the multi-cultural nature of New Zealand now, the bench needs to reflect this better. That means either through a submission in open court or by communication to the registrar and the other parties to the case. “For a court lawyer, as I was, being a judge was the best job in the world. “From the independent bar, occasionally from law firms, the public service, occasionally from academia, bearing in mind of course that they will be spending much of their time doing criminal trial work or general civil or commercial work.”. Judges are not civil servants, they are an independent branch of Government and they need to be shown this respect. Judge Marshall attended Auckland University, gaining a BA and LLB(Hons). Pay for judges varies depending on which court they work in. Footer. While judges are appointed by the Attorney-General, they cannot be removed from office except by a motion supported by Parliament, in the event of misbehaviour. Other areas of the Institute’s curriculum include programmes relating to the role of a judge with social context issues such as family violence, judge craft such as delivering judgments (written and oral), courtroom management and communication, and technical knowledge (evidence, bail and risk assessment, sentencing). Inc. 394B Rotokauri Road, RD9 Hamilton 3289 TEL: +64 7 8493467 EMAIL: rclassi@xtra.co.nz. “When I heard he was considering returning to New Zealand about six years ago, I was very keen to get him on the bench and so he became a judge on the Employment Court. MEMBER RESOURCES. “In the next 20-30 years there will be significant shifts in the cultural make-up of our nation and the judiciary needs to change to reflect society,” he says. After all, they’ll all have similar qualities, yet they can’t all get the position. Justice Randerson became a barrister sole in 1989. “I’ll confer with the Chief Justice and the President of the Court of Appeal along with which High Court Judges are considered appropriate in relation to the needs of the court. They listen to court cases, act as referees between litigating parties and make decisions on the matter of law. The Attorney-General has the final say on all appointments to the bench, whether at the District Court level or superior court judges such as the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and the High Court. Particularly with long trials, you may be away from home on circuit, staying in a motel.”. “I didn’t find it difficult to remain detached from the emotional side of criminal trials and the ghastly facts that are sometimes involved. The Commissioner cannot challenge the legality or correctness of a Judge’s decision in relation to any legal proceedings. The cases are very much shorter because you are generally not hearing the evidence. What does a judge earn? Judges also require much more than just experience in practice. “On the other hand there are times when you have to really work hard to remain impartial especially if one party is not represented and the other side is and the unrepresented party is not sure about process, evidence points or might be quite irritating by the way they are conducting themselves in court,” he says. If you are interested in becoming a marching judge be sure to contact the association nearest to you or contact judge@marching.co.nz, If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us, available for download on Judging Resources page, Contact your Association Chief Judge for more information. “Judges do have substantial authority both in the criminal and civil fields but that judicial power must always be exercised in accordance with the law. Each selection process is different, including to the various tribunals. Find a Justice of the Peace ; Justice of the Peace visit checklist ; Justice of the Peace visit checklist. We are guided by what’s in the public interest and what the needs of the judiciary are,” he says. He was appointed to the High Court in 1997 after becoming Queen’s Counsel in 1996. “Whether the lawyer is popular with me or what their political views are is completely irrelevant to me. “Then what will happen is that the Chief Justice and a senior official from the Ministry of Justice, will summarise the various applications and provide me a shortlist which are then approved. That way you’ll remain rounded and balanced. When the selection process has reached the final shortlist, how do you determine who will be the right person for the job? To become a registered nurse in New Zealand you need to study a Bachelor's degree. You hear the argument from each side and that helps you come to a balanced result because you don’t have any obligation to either party. Judging is based on an awarding system and judges adjudicate in an objective and unbiased manner and in compliance with the criteria stipulated in the Technical Manual. 11 years of training usually required. All you need is a love of the sport, good communications skills, the ability to focus. However, one of the advantages in the appellate court is that the judge is not alone. Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners. And in the civil context it comes down to whether the decision made was factually and legally correct. Jurisdictions throughout the world have various systems of appointment to the bench. Become a marching judge. Do you want to meet new people, travel to new places, be part of a vibrant disciplined sport, experience new opportunities and challenges, embark on a new, exciting and rewarding career? Quick Find - or - Search. Judge Deborah Marshall is the Chief Coroner and was appointed to that position in February 2015. In the criminal context it might come down to whether certain evidence was admissible, the competence of the trial counsel in the way the case has been presented or whether the judge’s directions to the jury in summing up were correct. Napier lawyer Jonathan Krebs' journey to become District Court judge . Justice Randerson has some sage advice for new judges. Chances of becoming a judge are poor due to the small size of the occupation and high competition. But a judge has to be impartial when dealing with and weighing up the facts of a case. What you’re doing is reading the evidence that was presented in the trial court and the judgment that has been presented in the trial court or in a criminal case, and the summing up that has been presented by the judge to a jury,” he says. The Attorney-General has the final say on all appointments to the bench, whether at the District Court level or superior court judges such as the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and the High Court. Each selection process is different, including to the various tribunals. In the High Court, clerks are assigned to two or three judges (including Associate Judges). 4 minutes to read . “Even very experienced barristers are surprised by how different it is when you become a judge rather than counsel,” he says. A student nurse will have to go into a health care facility and they have to practise under the supervision of a registered nurse. Māori Land Court | Judge’s Corner Judge S Te A Milroy Māori women judges in Aotearoa March 2016 The Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1840 between Māori and the Crown, is the founding document of Aotearoa New Zealand. The Attorney-General wishes to hear from suitably qualified persons who would like to be considered for appointment as an Environment Judge. They’re not, and nor do they have some sort of special or sympathetic relationship with the police. The first Commissioner was Ian Haynes, ONZM, BA, LLB. “I started in a law firm in 1968 and had to be taught how to write a legal letter, so being a judge was the last thing on my mind,” he says with a laugh. “I think having a good general knowledge is the best fit. In the civil court, he says, there is usually more time to write a judgment as there isn’t a jury waiting. For appointments to the bench, in the first instance advertisements go out from time to time inviting expressions of interest. All of those technical things meant that was my focus rather than some of the horrific content of criminal trials,” he says. It is at the discretion of the judge whether it is appropriate to respond to any communication. It needs to be done after conclusion of counsel’s addresses to the jury. I always tried to get a decision out within a few weeks of hearing the case while it was still reasonably fresh in your mind.”. Justice Randerson says the Court of Appeal hears appeals from both the Employment Court and the Māori Appellate Court, jurisdictions the High Court doesn’t have. Prior to that he was counsel and had over thirty years of advocacy experience to that point, with particular emphasis on environmental matters, land, property, and maritime laws. Women add a significant dimension to the judiciary and I’d encourage women practitioners to put their names forward and seek appointment to the bench.”. While that can be used effectively by a lawyer as a tactic in persuading a jury to view the presented facts their way, a judge has to remain neutral – something that wouldn’t be easy for anyone listening. During her time at Meredith Connell, Judge … For example, one area of the curriculum is focused on education and development for new judges. These could perhaps look at legislation, social issues, or other related skills. Sir David Gascoigne KNZM, CBE, LLM served from 3 August 2009 until 30 August 2015. Marching New Zealand provides training for all Judges and are trained for the section they are adjudicating with qualifying levels at Trainee, Local, Regional, National and International. “I think we undoubtedly need more women on the bench. The scheme is open to Barristers, Solicitors, Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, Registered Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys. This is the bare minimum for appointment as a High Court judge. It was an interesting start for a newly-appointed judge,” he says. While it may appear to be less pressure, it’s not because the job requires a huge amount of reading involved in a very short time. Both Justice Jagose and Justice van Bohemen will sit in Auckland. The table below provides information on who can apply, the type of judge you can shadow and the minimum number of legal post qualification experience (PQE) you will require to participate in the scheme. Justice Randerson says a civil or criminal trial mentally consuming. NZ Dog Judges Assoc. A guide to Gymnastics New Zealand’s Coach and Judge Education www.gymnasticsnz.com . Judging is based on an awarding system and judges adjudicate in an objective and unbiased manner and in compliance with the criteria stipulated in the Technical Manual. When a Crown or defence lawyer is acting in court, they have their angle at work – to get the best possible result for their client. Justice Randerson says the decision process is the sole responsibility of the sitting judge. She took over from Judge Neil MacLean, who was appointed as the first Chief Coroner in February 2007. 3 Introduction Gymnastics NZ Principles Gymnastics NZ Coach Qualification Pathway Entry into the Coaching Pathway XTND Youth Leadership Foundation Coach PlayGym Leader moveMprove® Coach Elementary Coach Junior Coach Junior Advanced Coach Senior Coach Senior Advanced Coach … “When you’re running it, you’re thinking about it constantly. The Attorney-General may consider the advice of the Chief Judge or Principal Judges. Quickly dispelling any myth that all judges must have a court background, he says retired Justice Sir Peter Blanchard, Dame Susan Glazebrook and Sir Mark O’Regan all came from a commercial background and have been very successful judges of the Supreme Court. “However, Sir Kenneth Keith had a very distinguished academic background. Courts of New Zealand also publishes and promotes protocol relating to the activities of all judges such as conduct and possible complaints about a judge’s behaviour and how they are managed. The old adage that reputation takes a long time to be established but can be lost in an instant is something that all counsel need to keep in mind,” he says. But what I was looking for was good all-round experience as a prosecutor, experience as a defence lawyer and also good experience as a civil lawyer. To be eligible for appointment candidates must have held a practising certificate as a barrister or solicitor for at least seven years. New facts can dramatically change the direction of a case such as during a major criminal trial. But the percentage of judges sitting in the higher courts certainly does not match, with the exception of the Supreme Court where three out of five are women. Justice David Gendall taking the Judicial Oath at his swearing in ceremony at the old High Court in Wellington in June 2013. As a judge there is also a fair bit of circuit work, meaning that Justice Randerson was sometimes sitting in provincial areas, such as Hamilton, Rotorua, New Plymouth, Whangarei and Gisborne. “So, formally, the choice is mine, but to say that I’m the only person involved in the selection process would be wrong,” he says. Do you even have to be a litigation lawyer? It is a fixed term position of 2 years. After becoming a licensed lawyer, individuals must gain legal experience to become a judge. It wasn’t something he set out to do after graduating from law school. Mark Callaghan "never set out to become a judge". Once the interview process has been completed, the final recommended selection list will be provided to the Attorney-General. FIND A JUDGE. In addition to appointment to that position the successful candidate will also be appointed a District Court Judge. The judiciary is the arm of our democracy that is independent of executive and politicians. There’s been a gap there since Sir Kenneth Keith left the judiciary about 10 years ago. Become a member of your local Area Dressage Group (if they have separate membership) Attend one local Judges Clinic when in your area; Practical Stuff. He said he had never viewed the role of … In the Court of Appeal of New Zealand and the Supreme Court of New Zealand, each judge … Judges of the High Court of New Zealand (including Judges of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal) On relinquishment of or retirement from office, the holders of the offices referred to in rule 1 shall be eligible to be recommended for retention of the title "The Honourable" for life. Pay. “The judges see counsel appearing regularly in their court. You need stamina, you’re working hard and not necessarily having the full and normal sleep patterns sometimes. Justice Randerson says it took some time for him to feel comfortable presiding over criminal trials. Justice Randerson points out that very few people with a purely academic background are appointed to the High Court. The most recent appointments to the High Court include Pheroze Jagose and Gerard van Bohemen. I was very busy making sure that the trial was running properly in the sense that the rulings being made on evidence and procedural issues were correct. The District Court also includes the Family Court and those that have a District Court warrant but are appointed to the Environment Court. They must have the discipline, capacity and insight to act impartially, independently and fairly. “It can be very consuming if you let it. We must respect the separation of powers. Is it a case of getting the nod, being handpicked, or the natural progression for a Queen’s Counsel? Ms McIntosh says there are also ongoing bench specific update programmes that respond to current identified education needs for a bench. During the nursing training one has to do practicum. The law constrains judges in the way they can exercise power and if you asked any judge they would say it (judicial power) must be exercised with great care, caution and in an even-handed way.”. “Some people seem to think judges are employees of the Government. Neither Justice Jagose nor Justice Van Bohemen were Queen’s Counsel before their appointments. “It’s lonely only in the sense that at the end of the day, despite the advice from your colleagues, it is your decision that has to count and the responsibility lies with you,” he says. Family life and sports or similar activities are very important and cannot be forsaken,” he says. “I was probably in the traditional pathway category in that I was someone who had wide experience in litigation in the civil courts and subsequently became a judge. He ultimately ended up as a Supreme Court Judge but also recently retired from the International Court in The Hague, and Justice Matthew Palmer also had a largely academic background but had some practical experience before being appointed to the High Court,” he says. You kind of become a low-level judge and that's something I'd be quite interested in doing later on." How challenging is that when dealing with the many personalities in the courtroom? Welcome to the Royal Federation of NZ Justices' Associations About Us. Industry. Justice Randerson has been both a High Court judge and an appellate court judge, in the Court of Appeal. Home ; Judges; News; Constitution; Regulations; Judges Code of Conduct; … Section 94 of the Senior Courts Act 2016 states that a person can be eligible for appointment as judge or associate judge if that person has held a practising certificate in a jurisdiction specified by Order in Council for at least seven years. In this article, we'll discuss the responsibilities of a judge, how to become one and answer some frequently asked questions regarding this profession. “An important element of our curriculum covers Tikanga and Te Reo for judges,” she says. “It’s essential to the judicial function that the judge acts impartially and in some ways it is straightforward as a judge because you are not representing one side or the other as you are as counsel.