Magistrate Jeff Linden stepping down after 34 years on the bench in Northern Rivers

If you’ve ever been before a Northern Rivers court, you very well may have crossed paths with this well-known judicial officer. Now, he’s stepping down from the role.

The longest serving Magistrate in NSW, Jeff Linden, has hung up his robe for the last time after 34 years on the bench. Jeff Linden pictured outside Lismore Courthouse on May 17, 2023.

The longest serving magistrate in NSW, Northern Rivers man Jeff Linden, has stepped down from the role after more than three decades on the bench.

Mr Linden has seen the best and worst examples of human nature during his 34 years on the job – and dealt with countless “harrowing” situations and tragic circumstances.

Jeff Linden is calling it a day after more than three decades as magistrate.

However, he has retained a sense of humour, passion for the community and sharp wit.

“Without it being too simplistic, I treat it like going to the movies,” Mr Linden said.

“Every day you’ve got the goodies and the baddies and the sheriffs.

“The job is fascinating, and the people are fascinating in the things they do or don’t do.”

Mr Linden was appointed to the bench in 1988 and posted to the North Coast two years later, where he has remained.

“I feel really lucky to have stayed here all that time,” he said.

AUGUST 23, 1999: Magistrate Jeff Linden inside Lismore Court.

“It has its charms and, of course, its problems too.”

Mr Linden was the NSW Local Court’s most senior and longest serving judicial officer until his retirement on May 17 – sitting in every courthouse from Coffs to Tweed.

Approaching the mandatory judge and magistrate retirement age of 75 years, Mr Linden is not quite ready to fully relax.

He hopes to be appointed acting magistrate for a further three years, sitting on the bench when needed. He admits his approach is more of a “crawl” than a “leap” into retirement.

August 23, 1999: Magistrate Jeff Linden outside Lismore Court. Picture: Northern Star

The courtroom he presided over was packed for Mr Linden’s bench farewell on May 12.

Police prosecutor Brett Gradisnik said Mr Linden’s tenure was characterised by a “huge dose of compassion” and a “sharpness of wit” that will be “sorely missed”.

He said Mr Linden treated everyone with respect, regardless of the circumstances that brought people before the courts.

Mr Linden said he was proud of his involvement in programs designed to break cycles of reoffending and to help people recover from substance abuse and addiction – keeping them out of jail and in the community.

Magistrate Linden's bench farewell after serving the Northern Rivers for over 30 years (from left): Magistrate Roger Prowse, Magistrate Annette Sinclair, Judge and Chief Magistrate Peter Johnstone, Magistrate Jeff Linden, Magistrate Michael Dakin, Magistrate Kathy Crittenden, Magistrate and Coroner Karen Stafford and Magistrate Jacqueline Trad. Absent, but at the farewell, were Judge Jennifer English and State Coroner Magistrate Teresa O'Sullivan.

Mr Linden said he got to know and appreciate the unique challenges regional communities face while working.

“You understand the issue of distance and what it may mean to take away someone’s driver’s licence, for example. It is very different situation to the city, where there is greater access to facilities and supports,” he said.

Mr Linden said the The Magistrates Early Referral into Treatment (MERIT) Program and Circle Sentencing were “defining moments” of his career.

MERIT provides access to alcohol and other drug treatment services for 12 weeks while court matters are adjourned, while Circle Sentencing is a restorative justice program for indigenous offenders.

Legal Aid solicitor Philip Crick said Mr Linden’s advocacy of the diversionary programs “changed lives”.

MAY 21, 1999: NSW magistrate Jeff Linden at Lismore's Richmond Centre.

The Aboriginal Legal Service also expressed thanks for Mr Linden’s support championing intervention programs.

“Lismore is the only place where Circle Sentencing is available in northern NSW making it so important to the community,” Mr Linden said.

“It really made me want to stay here.

“It is justice done for the Aboriginal community by Aboriginal people.”

Lismore Magistrate Jeff Linden. Picture: Tessa Flemming

Asked how he thought he might be described as a magistrate, Mr Linden’s response was characteristically blunt.

“Fair,” he said firmly.

Mr Linden said there could be no greater accolade for an advocate of the legal system.

He was also asked what he would miss most and was quick to respond: “The work – because I love it.”

“I would recommend being a magistrate to any aspiring lawyer.

“It is a job that delivers a lot of joy because you are working for and serving that community the best you can.”