VIC:Judge calls for new Supreme Court complex

AAP General News (Australia)
12-06-2011
VIC:Judge calls for new Supreme Court complex

MELBOURNE, Dec 6 AAP - Victoria's Supreme Court complex is a 19th-century relic struggling
to cope with the demands of a 21st-century legal system, says a leading judge.

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Marilyn Warren says the court is bursting at the
seams and there is an urgent need for a new building.

Writing in the annual report of the Supreme Court, Chief Justice Warren said planning
for a new building must start before the shortcomings of the existing building seriously
interfere with the delivery of justice.

"Judges now travel like itinerant workers from building to building," she said.

"The public coming to court find the environment intimidating and confusing.

"The profession find it awkward and inefficient - at some point soon the need will
have to be met."

The annual report goes on to say that the building is challenged to provide appropriate
courtrooms for major class actions or, in criminal trials, to separate families and friends
of victims from the accused.

In the past 12 months, 15 Supreme Court cases have had to be heard in the County Court building.

In 2011 the Supreme Court launched a Courthouse Design Project for architecture students
at Melbourne University.

The students were asked to develop a design that encapsulated the essence of justice
and had adequate facilities for a modern judiciary.

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KEYWORD: SUPREME

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