The Attorney General has announced that the State’s Magistrates are to take over hearings of all criminal court matters from its Justices of the Peace (JPs).
The announcement closes a long chapter of Justices of the Peace hearing criminal matters in Western Australia, particularly in rural and remote parts of the State where a magistrate was not always available.
The Attorney General, John Quigley said that with the growing volume and legal complexity of criminal cases, Justices of the Peace had been gradually stepping back from hearing such matters in recent years.
“This is in line with recommendations made by the inquest into the tragic death of Aboriginal elder, Mr Ward in 2008,” Mr Quigley said.
“In 2011, the Standing Committee on Environment and Public Affairs report on the implementation of the Coroner’s recommendations in relation to the death of Mr Ward reiterated the Coroner’s recommendations.”
He said a combination of video-link technology and the appointment of two new magistrates would allow the change to be made.
He said Justices of the Peace would still be able to authorise search warrants for the time being if they had accessed the appropriate training.
“Many Justices of the Peace have volunteered their time over the years to assist the judicial system and I extend my appreciation to them for their significant contribution,” Mr Quigley said.
