FAMILY COURTS-20 YEARS AFTER REFORM |
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| Authors: | Rt. Hon. Dame Sian Elias |
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| Affiliation: | The Right Honorable Dame Sian Elias, the Chief Justice of New Zealand, is a graduate of the University of Auckland (LLB(Hons)) and Stanford University (JSM). She practiced as a Barrister, with appearances at the Court of Appeal and at the Privy Council, until Dame Sian was appointed as a High Court Judge in 1995. In 1999, she was appointed as Chief Justice. Dame Sian is a Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (GNZM). |
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| Abstract: | The Rt. Hon. Dame Elias discusses the changes the people of Australia and New Zealand have seen and can expect from their respective family courts. She goes on to say that if judges of the family court are to play a more positive role in society, they need to stay abreast of what is happening with current legal trends as they relate to the "best interest of the child" standard, equal rights (especially between genders), and changing international trends in family law. The Chief Justice also addresses problems concerning lack of legal aid funding and an increase in unrepresented litigants. The Chief Justice explains that these issues and problems can best be dealt with through legislative reform as well as family court reform. Where there is an influx of additional resources better preparing judges to deal specifically with those seeking justice in the family court, these additional resources should also lead to a greater general understanding of current trends in the community. Chief Justice Elias asserts that without community support, these issues cannot be resolved. |
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