‘I want to slap you around a bit, too’: Victorian magistrate reprimanded over language in court
Summary
Victoria’s judicial watchdog found that magistrate Vicky Prapas made several inappropriate remarks and intimidated legal practitioners who considered making complaints. The commission referred the main complaint to Chief Magistrate Lisa Hannan and recommended counseling, review of conduct guidelines, and an educational event for Prapas.Key Facts
- The investigation began after Victoria Legal Aid complained about Prapas’ work in a Melbourne drug court.
- Prapas told a court user, “I want to slap you around a bit, too.”
- The commission found that Prapas made threatening or intimidating remarks to legal practitioners who proposed making or supporting complaints against her.
- The commission described the conduct as a pattern of victimisation.
- One inappropriate comment was made in front of a school group.
- Prapas acknowledged that some of her conduct was unfiltered and intemperate, and said she had taken steps to communicate more respectfully.
- The watchdog could not substantiate some allegations, including a claim of cultural insensitivity.
- The commission said drug court discussions may be open and frank, but court users must still receive civility and respect.
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