The Director of Public Prosecutions has launched a joint initiative with the Criminal Bar Association supported by the Office of Public Prosecutions and Victoria Legal Aid.

This pilot project establishes a panel of senior criminal barristers who will be available to provide on the spot support to barristers who feel that they have experienced judicial bullying or unreasonable or disrespectful behaviour by judicial officers whilst appearing in the courts.

The introduction of this initiative is a reflection of the fact that courtrooms are workplaces with an inherent power imbalance and criminal courtrooms in particular are high pressure environments.

When support is needed in such an environment, it should be available. It is hoped that the panel members, when called upon, will be able to provide that support.

For more detailed information on the pilot project, click here.