Ethics, Professional Development, and Accountability (JI5)

This background paper briefly examines the relationship between judicial ethics, professional development, impartiality, and accountability. It then provides a survey of existing ethical infrastructure, professional development standards, and mechanisms to respond to judicial misconduct and incapacity relating to the federal judiciary.

This is one in a series of background papers produced by the Australian Law Reform Commission as part of its Review of Judicial Impartiality.

In April 2021, the ALRC will publish a Consultation Paper containing questions and draft proposals for public comment. A formal call for submissions will be made on its release. In addition, feedback on the background papers is welcome at any time by email to impartiality@alrc.gov.au.