Restorative Justice loses a great advocate and friend

July 25, 2011

Restorative Justice Aotearoa (RJA) spokesperson, Tony Henderson said that members of the organisation are “shocked and deeply saddened” to learn of the death last weekend of Chief District Court Judge Russell Johnson. Judge Johnson died in Auckland after a short illness.

“Since 1993 Judge Johnson sat as a resident judge in the Waitakere, Auckland and Manukau district courts. Then as Chief District Court Judge, he continued to sit in courts around New Zealand ensuring that he kept in touch with the legal and wider communities. He earned the respect of many New Zealanders from all walks of life as a judicial leader who brought sound judgment, a scrupulous sense of fairness and a genuine care for all”.

Tony Henderson said that Russell Johnson was in every sense an advocate for a fair and responsive justice system and as such he was an active supporter and promoter of restorative justice and of Restorative Justice Aotearoa.

“Last year, restorative justice practitioners were thrilled that in his address to our conference he set out a 6 point plan for his own direct advocacy of restorative justice. That plan of work he then set about advancing – including the establishment of a Restorative Justice Judicial Forum among the District Court judiciary to encourage debate, exchange of ideas, practice reform and compliance with the legislative intentions contained within the Sentencing Act and the Victims’ Rights Act.

Russell Johnson will be remembered with great respect and great affection by our members. Our thoughts and sincere sympathies are with Margaret Johnson and her family at this sad time,” Tony Henderson said.

ENDS

© Scoop Media