Judicial Education

College workshop featuring interstate presenters

In just a short time, the College has become both a national and world leader in judicial education and training.  
In our quest to create a culture of life-long judicial learning and reflective practice, we have garnered the support and trust of Victorian judicial officers. Our activities benefit judicial officers, the Victorian court system and the wider Victorian community by:

• creating highly skilled judicial officers, able to respond to the challenges of judging in the 21st century and the needs of a socially and culturally diverse Victorian community
• improving judicial practice and organisational performance, which in turn reduces the cost of justice.

The College has enhanced core judicial skills through peer support and activities. We have adopted a Framework of Judicial Abilities and Qualities that defines the standards and expectations of a Victorian judicial officer.  Because we recognise the different stages of judicial life — new, mid-term and mature — we help judicial officers develop and grow throughout their judicial careers.
 
At one end of that spectrum, we have introduced a two-year induction framework to assist new appointees to make a successful transition from legal practice to the bench. At the other end, our Judicial Leadership Program harnesses the experience of long-standing judges to ensure the Courts and VCAT create opportunities for institutional innovation.

The College has established itself as a leader in judicial education and professional development. We have introduced a world-first 360 degree feedback survey for judicial officers, which other jurisdictions are now replicating. We have enhanced judicial knowledge through our programs and electronic resources. 

The College has developed an Australian-first Continuing Professional Development (CPD) scheme. In 2009, more than 40 programs support this scheme. This allows Victorian judicial officers to meet around two of the five days recommended by the National Standard for Professional Development for Australian Judicial Officers.  

Our secure portal — the Judicial Officers Information Network, or JOIN — offers access to many substantive law resources and publications. JOIN has become a valuable resource for judicial officers and their support staff.

College activities and resources reflect best practice and high standards. We harness the expertise of content and practice specialists in the judiciary, academia and the wider community.

The 2 minute video below features the Heads of Jurisdiction and the College staff discussing the unique nature of the College programs.

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Related Downloads

• 2009JCVFramework-JCVsite.pdf (PDF, 123.86 KB)