Liberal plan to split Victorian appeals court attacked as ‘thought bubble’ that would politicise judiciary
Summary
The Liberal party in Victoria, Australia, has proposed splitting the state's highest court into two separate courts: one for criminal cases and one for civil cases. Legal and human rights groups have criticized the plan, warning it could make the courts political and harm their independence.Key Facts
- The Liberal party wants to create a separate criminal appeals court with judges specializing in criminal law.
- They plan to introduce tougher bail and sentencing laws if they win the November election.
- Judges in Victoria are appointed by the governor based on the attorney general’s advice.
- The Shadow Attorney General says the appointment process will stay the same but will focus on criminal law experience.
- Legal and human rights groups argue the proposal risks politicizing the judiciary.
- Critics say courts should apply laws independently without government influence.
- The Australian Lawyers Alliance questions whether the current court structure is failing at all.
- The Law Institute of Victoria says the current court already has many criminal law experts.
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