Victorian magistrate reprimanded after telling court user she wanted to slap them

A Victorian magistrate has been reprimanded for telling a court user, "I want to slap you around a bit, too," according to a finding released by the state's judicial watchdog.

The commission determined that the remark was part of a wider pattern of inappropriate language by Magistrate Vicky Prapas. Other documented incidents included asking a litigant, "Do you reckon the substance is screwing with the way you're thinking?" and stating that another individual "believes their own bullshit." The latter comment was made while a school group was present in the courtroom.

The investigation began after Victoria Legal Aid filed a complaint regarding Prapas' rotation through a Melbourne drug court. The watchdog substantiated claims that Prapas made threatening remarks to legal practitioners who proposed or supported complaints against her. The commission described this behavior as a "pattern of victimization." Additional findings noted an offensive comment directed at a person from a marginalized group and an unprofessional remark about another judge.

In the written decision, Prapas acknowledged that her conduct in some instances was "unfiltered and intemperate." She stated she would have expressed herself differently with the benefit of hindsight. However, she argued that the unique jurisdiction of a drug court required her to promote participant recovery, accountability, and community safety within a therapeutic framework. She said she had taken steps to ensure her communication remained effective and respectful.

The commission could not substantiate allegations that the magistrate demonstrated cultural insensitivity. While acknowledging that drug court proceedings can warrant open and frank discussions, the body ruled that this does not remove a judicial officer's obligation to afford all court users civility and respect.

The primary outcome of the inquiry was a referral to Chief Magistrate Lisa Hannan. The commission recommended that Hannan counsel Prapas on the findings. Additionally, the watchdog advised Prapas to familiarize herself with the commission's conduct guidelines and attend an educational event within one year.