Storm builds around Family Court Judge Boshier’s future
A judicial row is brewing over the future of Principal Family Court Judge Peter Boshier.
A judicial row is brewing over the future of Principal Family Court Judge Peter Boshier.
Contrary to Government expectation and legal circle speculation that he would step down on Monday at the end of an eight year term, Judge Boshier told the National Business Review Online today his tenure does not end on Monday.
High-profile Judge Boshier says he is not subject to a statutory fixed term, introduced in 2004, and “at present” will be continuing in his present roll.
Legal circles are buzzing with speculation Judge Boshier will challenge any move to make him go and has dug his toes in to hang on to his job.
No announcement has been made on Judge Boshier’s future but Government sources say he will be “encouraged” to accept another posting involving judicial work.
Judge Boshier’s curious position is featured in today’s issue of the Auckland district law society’s LawNews magazine.
Barrister/reporter Catriona MacLennan says no comment was available from political or judicial sources on who would lead the Family Court through the “uncertainty and turmoil” it is expected to face this year as a fundamental review of its operation continues.
The law provides the principal family court judge is restricted to an eight year term, which the Government claims ends for Judge Boshier on March 12.
But Judge Boshier was appointed a short time before that eight year restriction came into law in 2004 and believes he is not covered by it.
The eight year restriction means whoever is the principal family court judge is not eligible for reappointment.
According to LawNews the judge is not covered by the restriction, having been appointed a short time before it was introduced.
No announcement has been made on a replacement, or what will happen on Monday, but National Business Review Online understands Chief District Court judge Jan Doogue is keen to replace him with a fresh face.
Jock Anderson
Mon, 12 Mar 2012
Mon, 12 Mar 2012
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Storm builds around Family Court Judge Boshier’s future
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