Victorian magistrate reprimanded for inappropriate bench language

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 2 Nov, 02:32 · Archive

Victorian Magistrate Vicky Prapas has been reprimanded by the Judicial Commission of Victoria for offensive and threatening remarks made from the bench.

The Judicial Commission of Victoria has reprimanded Magistrate Vicky Prapas for inappropriate language and conduct while presiding over a Melbourne drug court. The investigation, triggered by a complaint from Victoria Legal Aid, found she made several offensive remarks from the bench, including telling a court user 'I want to slap you around a bit too' and asking another 'do you reckon the substance is screwing with the way you're thinking'. She also asserted that a participant 'believes their own bullshit', a comment made in the presence of a school group.

The commission substantiated allegations that Ms Prapas made threatening or intimidating remarks to legal practitioners when they proposed to make or support complaints against her. These comments constituted a 'pattern of victimisation', the watchdog found. She also made an offensive comment about a person from a marginalised group and an unprofessional remark about another member of the judiciary.

In her response, Ms Prapas acknowledged that her conduct in some instances had been 'unfiltered and intemperate' and said she would have expressed herself differently in hindsight. She referred to the unique nature of drug court jurisdiction and stated her intention was to promote participant recovery, accountability and community safety within its therapeutic framework. She said she had reflected on the matters and taken steps to ensure her communication remains effective and respectful.

The commission was unable to substantiate some allegations, including that she demonstrated cultural insensitivity.

How it is being reported

• 'Slap you around': magistrate rebuked for bad languageA magistrate has been reprimanded for using inappropriate language from the bench, including making threatening remarks to legal practitioners.Perth Now · 2 Nov, 02:05
• 'Slap you around': magistrate rebuked for bad languageA magistrate has been reprimanded for using inappropriate language from the bench, including making threatening remarks to legal practitioners.The West Australian · 2 Nov, 02:05

In this story: Vicky Prapas · Judicial Commission of Victoria · Victoria Legal Aid · Melbourne · Victoria

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