Cheap today, cheaper than yesterday….

Chief Family Judge Peter Boshier claims the Family Court has become a ‘supermarket court with judges expected to rule on everything from choices of school to choices of surname.

2004-0422 – Dominion Post – Court too busy to do its job says judge
The Family Court is too busy to do its core work properly and will have a hard job regaining public confidence, its new top judge Peter Boshier says. In a nod to men’s rights groups that claim the Family Court is biased against fathers, Judge Boshier said many men were disenfranchised from their children because the court failed to deal with abuse and violence cases quickly.

2004-0422 – NZ Herald – Judge calls for open, efficient Family Court
by Stuart Dye – The court’s ability to deal with domestic violence cases and abuse of children is so compromised by a mass of other work that there are unacceptable delays, says Principal Family Judge Peter Boshier. In a speech to the Auckland Family Courts’ Association, held behind closed doors, Judge Boshier said there needed to be a clear gate-keeping process to identify cases suitable for mediation. …… Judge Boshier said there was a need for more transparency in the court processes.

2004-0422 – Stuff – Judge calls for key changes to Family Court
NZPA – Criticism that the Family Court is biased and overly secret is often “extravagant and misplaced”, says Principal Family Court Judge Peter Boshier but he admits the court could perform a lot better. Judge Boshier, who took over the position of principal judge last month, made the comments tonight in a speech delivered to the Auckland Family Courts Association. Judge Boshier said while many of the broadsides directed at the court were overstated, there were several key areas where the court could improve its performance.

2006-0508 What does he say now…. Family Court Judges will not be intimidated.

(You may be getting a pat on the back from Helen, but the New Zealand Public is probably just a little disappointed.)