Deputy Chief Magistrate Theo Tsavdaridis, whose tireless efforts in upholding the principles of Democracy and Justice have earned him the prestigious Protector of the Law award.
Tsavdaridis presides over the NSW Local Court, the busiest court in Australia, where approximately 420,000 matters are handled annually.
Despite the staggering workload, he remains steadfast in his commitment to justice and fairness.
Receiving the award from the Rule of Law Education Centre, Tsavdaridis was commended for his role in supporting open justice and legal education.
The Education Centre, which conducts tours of the courts for students, has benefited greatly from Tsavdaridis’ insights and dedication.
In his speeches, Tsavdaridis emphasised the importance of equality before the law and the judiciary’s independence.
He reminded his audience that judges and magistrates make decisions based on the law, not on public opinion or personal preference.
“Judges and magistrates are not making decisions based on how we think the next Newspoll will go,” he told a dinner in October hosted by the Parramatta and Regional Law Society.
“For a judicial officer who likes every outcome, he or she might well be a bad judge, stretching for policy results he or she prefers rather than those the law compels. Courts do not have armies or police forces. All they have is trust, respect and credibility. Judicial legitimacy depends on the public maintaining a level of confidence that cases would be decided by a
competent and impartial judiciary according to law without fear or favour … ”
Reflecting on the history of the Australian legal system, Tsavdaridis highlighted the long journey towards equality before the law.
He noted that while the system has evolved, challenges remain, particularly in ensuring that all individuals, including Indigenous Australians, have equal access to justice.
