Family court judge sanctioned over angry outburst

Family court judge Her Honour Judge Martine Kushner has been issued with formal advice for misconduct after she “snapped” at a litigant. Three complaints received by the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO) were similar in nature and included that the judge “raised her voice and shouted at legal parties or representatives during the hearings.” A JCIO spokesperson said: “The guide to judicial conduct reminds judicial office-holders to be courteous, patient, tolerant and punctual and to respect the dignity of all . . . to act professionally and courteously, including under pressure and to avoid shouting or snapping.”