The following statement was made by NZLS President, Christine Grice, today:

“The constitutional mechanism for dealing with judicial complaints and conduct has worked well, in spite of the furore over Justice Fisher’s accessing internet sex sites on Courts’ computers.

“The Chief Justice handled the matter in accordance with the constitutional conventions. Widely differing public views emerged on the rights and wrongs, but the important point is that the Chief Justice acted promptly and soundly.

“The Attorney General had no choice but to examine the matter publicly once it had been leaked by another political party. The debate has not harmed the independence of the judiciary, but should now be left to rest rather than degenerating into political skirmishing. Judicial independence is paramount in our constitution and no pressure should be put on either the Chief Justice or Justice Fisher.”

Ends

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