eDuty introduced for urgent Family Court applications

Courts Minister Chester Borrows has announced the introduction of eDuty, which uses technology to allow judges around the country to make decisions on urgent applications such as orders to protect children or vulnerable people. Previously, applicants have needed to wait for a judge to become available in person in the court where the application was made. e-Duty instead links judges around the country in cyberspace so that an 'eDuty' judge can immediately review and decide on urgent applications.

Six Family Court judges will be available to review e-Duty cases each day. Chester Borrows said in most cases they would be able to make decisions within an hour of the proceeding being received, rather than up to half a day waiting for a judge in person.

'eDuty to speed up Family Court applications', Media release: Chester Borrows, 11.06.2013

'Judges speed protection orders with cyberspace hookups', Waikato Times, 11.06.2013