Judges: Angry? Biased? Burned out?

This conference, hosted by the National Judicial College of Australia, brings together members of the judiciary, academics, policy makers and experts in fields such as psychology, to consider current issues and challenges in the Australian justice system.

The long held perception that emotion impairs our ability to reason has created the ideal of the dispassionate judge. Judges are expected to preside in court and render judicial decisions while remaining detached from, and unmoved by, painful and harrowing events recounted before them.

Does the experience of emotion impair a judge’s ability to be fair and reasoned in their decision-making? In the midst of the emotionally charged arena of the courtroom, what happens to impartiality? Is it possible, or indeed even desirable, for a judge to remain emotionally detached? The repeated exposure to tragic circumstances places judicial officers at risk of secondary trauma. What can be done to assist in improving judicial well-being and where does this responsibility lie? This conference examines and seeks answers to these important questions.