Victorian magistrate Vicky Prapas has been reprimanded by the state's judicial watchdog for using offensive and inappropriate language during court proceedings. The Judicial Commission of Victoria found that Prapas made several remarks deemed unsuitable, including telling a court user, "I want to slap you around a bit, too." This incident was part of a broader pattern of behavior identified during an investigation into her conduct.
Other inappropriate comments cited by the commission included asking an individual if they believed a substance was affecting their thinking and asserting that another person "believes their own bullshit." The latter remark was particularly concerning as it was made while a group of school children was present in the courtroom. The investigation was initiated following a complaint from Victoria Legal Aid regarding Prapas' rotation through a Melbourne drug court.
The commission substantiated allegations that the magistrate made threatening or intimidating remarks to legal practitioners who proposed filing complaints against her, characterizing this behavior as a "pattern of victimisation." Additionally, Prapas was found to have made an offensive comment targeting a person from a marginalized group and an unprofessional remark directed at another member of the judiciary. While some allegations, such as cultural insensitivity, could not be substantiated, the commission emphasized that the unique nature of drug court proceedings does not excuse a judicial officer from the obligation to treat all court users with civility and respect.
In her written response, Prapas acknowledged that her conduct in certain instances had been "unfiltered and intemperate," noting she would have expressed herself differently with the benefit of hindsight. She argued that her intentions were aligned with promoting recovery, accountability, and community safety within the therapeutic framework of the drug court. However, the commission referred the matter to Chief Magistrate Lisa Hannan with recommendations that Prapas be counseled. Furthermore, the watchdog advised that Prapas familiarize herself with conduct guidelines and attend an educational event within the next year.
Sources: The Guardian World.