Media Release
16 November 2010

Direction on Counsel dress announced.

Following a period of consultation with the legal profession, Chief District Court Judge Russell Johnson has directed that from 28 February 2011 barristers will be required to wear gowns in jury trials in District Courts across New Zealand.

Chief Judge Johnson said that in coming to his decision he had heeded the advice of the New Zealand Law Society that there was overwhelming support for the wearing of gowns by its members, the New Zealand Bar Association and the wider legal community.

“No one should imagine that the wearing of gowns will increase counsels’ experience, ability or forensic skill.

“However I believe this move will bring more formality to the trial court and serve to remind counsel of the obligations of the profession they represent.

“It will also highlight to all court users the dignity required and the serious nature of matters now being conducted in the indictable jurisdiction of the District Court.

“There has been a quiet revolution in jury trial procedure in the last several years and an increase in the court’s jurisdiction so the time is right to make this small change,” Chief Judge Johnson said.

To avoid confusion in courts which run mixed indictable and summary sentencing lists, the requirement will not apply to other types of hearings in the District Court, including sentencing.

ENDS

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