Magistrating like a Boss

Simon Corbell has announced Dr Bernadette Boss CSC (or Colonel Bernadette Boss CSC if you prefer) is going to be the ACT’s latest magistrate.

“Dr Boss has extensive experience in criminal law and has practiced as a barrister at the private bar since 2002 and in the ACT since 2004.

“Dr Boss also practised across a range of areas including family law, common law, military law, administrative law, and has acted in Children’s Court matters, both criminal and care and protection, making her well equipped to undertake the work of a Magistrate in the ACT.”

Weekly Newsletter

Every Thursday afternoon, we package up the most-read and trending RiotACT stories of the past seven days and deliver straight to your inbox..

SubscribeBy submitting your email address you are agreeing to RiotACT Holding's terms and conditions and privacy policy.

Dr Boss holds a PhD in law from Sydney University in the areas of international humanitarian law and human rights law. She has previously been the Vice President of the ACT Bar Association, and has lectured at the ANU Workshop in civil litigation and advocacy. Dr Boss also holds the senior rank of Colonel in the Australian Army Reserve.

Her previous roles include practising as a barrister and a prosecutor in England and Wales in the early 1990’s, and holding positions in Queensland’s Crown Law Office. She was also a legal officer in the Australian Regular Army from 1996 to 2002.

Dr Boss’s appointment arises out the Government’s recent selection process which also resulted in the appointments of David Mossop and Colonel Peter Morrison as magistrates. This process included seeking nominations from key stakeholders and a public notice seeking expressions of interest and nominations to attract a wide range of candidates for the position.

Dr Boss takes to the bench on 11 June, replacing Magistrate Lalor.

UPDATE: And Just because we can [NSFW]: