Magistrate Prapas found to have made offensive court remarks
Magistrate Vicky Prapas was criticized for rude remarks in court, including telling a user she wanted to slap them.
The Judicial Commission of Victoria found magistrate Vicky Prapas made inappropriate and threatening comments in a Melbourne drug court. She told one court user 'I want to slap you around a bit, too'.
She asked another 'Do you reckon the substance is screwing with the way you're thinking?'. She said another person 'believes their own bullshit'.
This remark was made in front of a school group. The watchdog also found she made intimidating remarks toward lawyers who planned to complain about her conduct.
This was a pattern of unfair treatment. The investigation began after a complaint from Victoria Legal Aid.
Prapas admitted her conduct was 'unfiltered and intemperate'. She said she had thought about the matters and taken steps to be more respectful.
The Chief Magistrate will talk with her. She has been asked to attend an educational event within one year.
- Judicial Commission of Victoria
- Investigator
- Vicky Prapas
- Magistrate
- Victoria Legal Aid
- Complaint source
- Melbourne drug court
- Court type
Why it mattersJudicial conduct affects whether courts are fair and respected. Findings against a magistrate show a serious breach of professional standards.
AustraliaThis affects Victorian court proceedings and public confidence in judicial fairness, particularly in drug courts meant to support participant recovery.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
