An examination into a “complaint about his conduct” led to the resignation of a judge in South Australia.
On May 17, Judge Timothy Heffernan, a former District Court member, announced his resignation.
South Australia’s Courts Administration Authority said in a statement that it had been looking into the now-former judge up to his resignation.
District Court Chief Judge Michael Evans stated, “As the Judge is no longer a judicial officer, the Judicial Conduct Commissioner was bound to terminate the investigation without making any findings.”
All allegations of improper judicial behavior are taken very seriously by the Court.
In a statement, Chief Justice Chris Kourakis added that he was unable to comment on Judge Heffernan.
The community, he continued, “rightly expects that those individuals to whom it entrusts the administration of justice observe the highest standards of respectful and decent conduct, accord all with whom they interact the dignity to which they are entitled.”
Any candidate for judicial office or incumbent who is unable to uphold those criteria should withdraw their name from consideration.
According to the authority’s statement, it is committed to offering a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace and will continue to help affected staff.
