‘Promoting respect’: Magistrates Court rolling out the robes as formal attire introduced

Traditional legal attire will return to the benches of Tasmania’s magistrates courts from next week, after the Chief Magistrate announced a decision to introduce the wearing of judicial robes.

Chief Magistrate Catherine Geason at the Hobart Magistrates Court.

Traditional legal attire will be introduced to the benches of Tasmania’s magistrates courts from next week, Chief Magistrate Catherine Geason announced on Friday.

Ms Geason said the decision by magistrates to wear black robes marked the culmination of discussions regarding the appropriateness of the garments in the judicial setting, given the court’s position in the Tasmanian justice system.

“As the jurisdiction of the Court continues to expand, the magistrates consider the adoption of robes will promote respect for the Court, as well as emphasise the solemnity and formality inherent in its proceedings,” Ms Geason said.

“In addition, the wearing of robes signifies the impartiality of magistrates and that the magistrates, as a collection of judicial officers, are responsible for interpreting and applying the law.

“The magistrates will wear black robes, legal practitioners will not be required to robe but continue to wear professional attire.”

However leading Tasmanian legal practitioner Greg Barns SC said there would likely be a variety of views in the community as to whether or not a particular form of dress would increase respect for the court.

“I practice quite a bit in Victoria where magistrates don’t wear robes, but where there is a great deal of respect shown,” Mr Barns said.

“An increase in formality in court has to be weighed against the fact that the magistrates court is the court closest to the community in Tasmania.

“A more important issue is why judicial officers in the magistrates court are not called judges.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Justice said robes were worn by Magistrates in other Australian jurisdictions, including NSW, Queensalnd, and the ACT.