Features
Overview
It is an essential component of the rule of law for the judiciary to be demonstrably free of partisan interests, or the perception of such influence. Private communications between judges and lawyers is one area in which perception can be everything.
This course explores the ethical limits of private communications between judges and lawyers during the course of proceedings, as well as in other contexts.
The course discusses a number of topics, including:
- The traditional rules and conventions governing communications between judges and lawyers;
- The gaps between these traditional rules and conventions and the rule against apprehended bias;
- The case of Charisteas v Charisteas, which demonstrates how contact between a judge and lawyer may not breach the relevant rules but may still create perceptions of bias;
- What steps could be taken to clarify and strengthen the effectiveness of the current rules and safeguards, including recommendations made by the ALRC.
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Date Published: December 2022
Meet the expert

Christopher Shanahan SC was admitted to the WA bar in 1984, NSW in 1989 and the High Court of Australia in 1990. He practices as a barrister at Murray Chambers.
Reviews
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A detailed exposition on a subject rarely discussed openly.Well presented facts around particular examples and considered analysis of applicable rules and judgements.
K. Gray, SolicitorCommunications Between Bench & Bar: Perception Can Be Everything It is an essential component of the rule of law for the judiciary to be demonstrably free of partisan interests, or the perception of such influence. Private communications between judges and lawyers is one area in which perception can be everything.LawCPD -
Very informative on biasEasy to follow and detailed.R. Keough, SolicitorCommunications Between Bench & Bar: Perception Can Be Everything It is an essential component of the rule of law for the judiciary to be demonstrably free of partisan interests, or the perception of such influence. Private communications between judges and lawyers is one area in which perception can be everything.LawCPD
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Great course and good reminder of judicial processEasy to follow and informative.
K. Cornell, SolicitorCommunications Between Bench & Bar: Perception Can Be Everything It is an essential component of the rule of law for the judiciary to be demonstrably free of partisan interests, or the perception of such influence. Private communications between judges and lawyers is one area in which perception can be everything.LawCPD -
Informative and well written Thank youIt was presented in blocks of easily understood concepts. It was very well designed and left a lasting impression. Thank you.
S. Fox, SolicitorCommunications Between Bench & Bar: Perception Can Be Everything It is an essential component of the rule of law for the judiciary to be demonstrably free of partisan interests, or the perception of such influence. Private communications between judges and lawyers is one area in which perception can be everything.LawCPD -
Effective and informativeA simple guide to informative and practical advice.
D. Prall, SolicitorCommunications Between Bench & Bar: Perception Can Be Everything It is an essential component of the rule of law for the judiciary to be demonstrably free of partisan interests, or the perception of such influence. Private communications between judges and lawyers is one area in which perception can be everything.LawCPD -
Easy to digest and informativeThe ethics course was delivered in a simple format, making the content easy to digest and did not take too long to complete.
This course reminds legal practitioners how and why they interact with the judiciary in an informative and simple manner. Justice Palmers salutation judgement speaks and expands on this too.
A. Eaton, SolicitorCommunications Between Bench & Bar: Perception Can Be Everything It is an essential component of the rule of law for the judiciary to be demonstrably free of partisan interests, or the perception of such influence. Private communications between judges and lawyers is one area in which perception can be everything.LawCPD -
Good course on etiquetteGood course on apprehension of bias.
A. McLaren, BarristerCommunications Between Bench & Bar: Perception Can Be Everything It is an essential component of the rule of law for the judiciary to be demonstrably free of partisan interests, or the perception of such influence. Private communications between judges and lawyers is one area in which perception can be everything.LawCPD