25th July 2011

Statement on death of Chief District Court Judge Johnson

The New Zealand Law Society is profoundly saddened to learn of Chief District Court Judge Russell Johnson’s death yesterday, the Society’s President Jonathan Temm says.

"Chief Judge Johnson was an outstanding judge and leader, and was respected and admired by lawyers throughout New Zealand. The profession will greatly miss him," Mr Temm says.

"We are also very aware that he was very highly regarded and respected by the team of District Court Judges he led.

"Before he was appointed a District Court Judge in 1993, Judge Johnson was a highly respected lawyer. That respect grew during his service, first as a Judge and then, from 1 April 2005, as the Chief Judge.

"As well as his service to the District Courts, Chief Judge Johnson was a judge of the Supreme Court of Pitcairn Islands and a deputy chief judge of the Court Martial.

"In fact, just this month he was appointed a deputy judge advocate general of the armed forces, responsible for ensuring the proper administration of armed forces law," Mr Temm says.

ENDS

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