About the Judicial Commission
Understand more about the Commission’s principal functions.
About the Judicial Commission
Enhancing public confidence in the State’s judicial officers
We are an independent statutory corporation. The Commission’s work is designed to enhance public confidence in the judiciary by promoting the highest standards of judicial behaviour and decision-making. We:
- provide a continuing education and training program for NSW judicial officers
- publish information about the criminal law and sentencing to assist the courts to achieve consistency in imposing sentences and more generally in the conduct of criminal proceedings
- examine complaints about judicial officers’ ability or behaviour.
The Judicial Commission was established in 1986 by the Judicial Officers Act 1986.
We are leaders in judicial education and sentencing research and share our knowledge and experience with the global network of judiciaries and judicial education providers.
We serve our diverse community including
- Public
- Judicial officers
- Legal professionals
- Government
- Community organisations
- Students
How we serve the public
We provide the general public with information and resources about the justice system and judicial process, including guidance on lodging complaints.
We aim to inform people and our work is designed to enhance public confidence in the judiciary by promoting the highest standards of judicial behaviour and decision-making.
Can the Judicial Commission deal with my complaint?
Learn about the type of complaints the Commission can deal with and the process for lodging a complaint against a judicial officer, such as a judge or magistrate.
Bench books and resources
We provide free access to bench books which are constantly updated compendiums of relevant legislation, case law, sentencing principles, precedents which apply when conducting criminal and civil trials, procedural guidelines, suggested jury directions and sample orders.
Investigate complaints
We investigate complaints made against judicial officers and maintain standards of judicial conduct.
Judicial programs and events
We offer educational programs and events such as the Ngara Yura Program.
Lawcodes
A database which provides unique codes to describe offences in NSW. Find associated text of legislation, a short and long description, penalties and more.
How we serve judicial officers
We provide legal information and resources to assist the courts to achieve consistency in imposing sentences and more generally conduct criminal and civil proceedings. Judicial officers have access to the Judicial Information Research System (JIRS), Lawcodes, bench books and other publications as well as a continuing judicial education program.
Programs for judicial officers
The Commission promotes high standards of judicial performance and assists in the development of appropriate judicial skills and practice.
Judicial education
Our judicial education program contributes to a better informed and more professional judiciary by: promoting high standards of judicial performance; assisting in the development of appropriate judicial skills and practice; keeping judicial officers up-to-date with current legal developments and emerging trends.
JIRS online database
The Judicial Information Research System (JIRS) is an online database for judicial officers, the courts, the legal profession and government agencies that play a role in the administration of justice.
Lawcodes
A database which provides unique codes to describe offences in NSW. Find associated text of legislation, a short and long description, penalties and more.
How we serve the legal profession
We provide the legal profession with information and resources including our Judicial Information Research System (JIRS) (on a paid subscription basis), Lawcodes and bench books.
Subscribe to JIRS
JIRS is available to the broader legal profession, libraries and educational institutions on a paid subscription basis.
JIRS: online database
The Judicial Information Research System (JIRS) is an online database for judicial officers, the courts, the legal profession and government agencies that play a role in the administration of justice.
Lawcodes
A database which provides unique codes to describe offences in NSW. Find associated text of legislation, a short and long description, penalties and more.
Bench books and resources
We provide free access to bench books which are constantly updated compendiums of relevant legislation, case law, sentencing principles, precedents which apply when conducting criminal and civil trials, procedural guidelines, suggested jury directions and sample orders.
How we serve the government
We provide government agencies with access to our resources including the Judicial Information Research System (JIRS), Lawcodes and bench books.
Access the Lawcodes database
Find associated text of legislation, a short and long description, penalties and more.
Lawcodes
A database which provides unique codes to describe offences in NSW. Find associated text of legislation, a short and long description, penalties and more.
JIRS online database
The Judicial Information Research System (JIRS) is an online database for judicial officers, the courts, the legal profession and government agencies that play a role in the administration of justice.
Information sharing
We provide statistical and legal information and respond to enquiries and requests for assistance from government agencies.
How we serve our community
We present and share information to inform community groups about our role in the justice system and engage with the community through collaborations with other organisations.
Programs for communities
The Commission presents and shares information to inform the public and community groups about our role in the justice system and engages with our community engagement role through collaborations with other organisations.
Ngara Yura Program
Commission staff are involved in Aboriginal cultural awareness through the Ngara Yura Program as a way to promote cross-cultural communication.
How we serve students
We provide students with legal information and resources, including bench books, about all aspects of the judicial and court processes.
Access to bench books and handbooks
Most of our publications can be downloaded free from our website.
Bench books and resources
We provide free access to bench books which are constantly updated compendiums of relevant legislation, case law, sentencing principles, precedents which apply when conducting criminal and civil trials, procedural guidelines, suggested jury directions and sample orders.
Our values
Empowered by 4 core values
Connecting
We value our partners and work cooperatively with them.
Enhancement
We continually improve the way we do business.
Professionalism
We are recognised for our integrity, our independence, and the high quality services we deliver.
Sustainability
We consider the way our operations, products and services impact on people, the environment and the economy.
The people of NSW will have confidence in the exceptional ability and performance of judicial officers.
Our history
The Judicial Commission was established in 1986 in response to calls for a formal mechanism to review sentences and sentencing practice, and to give effect to judicial accountability.
Our people
The Judicial Commission has 10 members headed by the Chief Justice of NSW who is the President. The six official members are the heads of the State’s five courts as well as the President of the Court of Appeal. Of the four appointed members, the Governor of NSW appoints three people who, in the Attorney General’s opinion, have high standing in the community. The fourth is a legal practitioner appointed following consultations between the Attorney General and the Presidents of the Law Society of NSW and Bar Association of NSW.
Annual reports
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