Justice Wilson Could Have Been Chief Justice
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According to legal insiders who have said the current crisis could have been worse

LawFuel.co.nz - Embattled Supreme Court judge Justice BIll Wilson could have been Chief Justice, according to legal sources reported in tomorrow's National Business Review.

"Briefcase" columnist John Bowie reported that Justice WIlson was in the running for Dame Sian Elias's job as Chief Justice and that was one of the reasons for his swift elevation to the country's top court. He now faces a judicial conduct panel enquiry into his conduct.

Bowie's column, about options for Justice WIlson, noted that 'legal insiders' had indicated Justice Wilson was seriously considered for the country's senior judicial post prior to Dame Sian's appointment.

Justice Wilson served as one of three Court of Appeal judges who, in 2007, overturned a High Court ruling which would have awarded wool growers group Saxmere repayment of $8 million in levies from the former Wool Board.

He had a personal and business relationship with the Wool Board's lawyer Alan Galbraith QC, jointly running a horse breeding business.

At the time of the hearing, Justice Wilson owed Mr Galbraith $242,804, which was not disclosed to the court.

The Supreme Court last November ordered the decision be set aside and the case re-heard, on the grounds Justice Wilson and Mr Galbraith's relationship could raise a perception of bias.

Judith Collins has acting attorney-general responsibilities related to complaints concerning Justice Wilson.

ENDS

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