Judge resigns over âsexualisedâ conduct
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The Law Council of Australia said on Thursday the case for a federal judicial commission was clear after a Federal Circuit Court judge stepped down quietly over findings of inappropriate sexual behaviour.
Judge Joe Harman, who was appointed in 2010 and had been based in the courtâs Parramatta registry, was accused of âsexualisedâ misconduct towards two women from 2015 onwards, which included lewd emails and âunwelcome hugsâ.
âCaused harmâ: Federal Circuit Court judge Joe Harman has resigned.Â
Family Relationship Services Australia
He resigned last week, heading off a likely parliamentary inquiry that could have led to him being the first federal judge dismissed from office.
Judge who harassed women was barred from court duties after decisions criticised
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A former Parramatta-based judge of the Federal Circuit Court, found to have engaged in inappropriate behaviour of a sexualised nature against two young women, was previously suspended from “bench duties” for his irregular behaviour and had a history of breaching protocol.
The Federal Circuit Court initiated an internal inquiry after one of the complainants sought legal advice.
Federal Circuit Court judge Joe Harman has resigned.
Credit:Family Relationship Services Australia
The investigation found former judge Joe Harman, who hears family law matters, had engaged in inappropriate conduct towards two young women, a junior employee and a former law student.
Statement of Hon Chief Justice William Alstergren Chief Judge of Federal Circuit Court of Australia miragenews.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from miragenews.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.