The scene outside the the Whangārei courthouse in March last year, on the day a barrister was seriously injured after being assaulted in a lift. Photo: RNZ / Samantha Olley
The Bar Association wants urgent changes made to improve safety for lawyers working in courtrooms.
On Thursday, a judge was forced to leave the Wellington High Court when observers tried to scale the two-metre screen separating the courtroom from the public gallery.
Maria Dew Photo: Screenshot / Youtube - Michael Heron
The association's president, Maria Dew KC, told Morning Report there have been three serious incidents in the last 12 months.
"The first one was an enormous concern. In March last year a Northland barrister was seriously injured in a lift, assaulted by somebody who was on the other side of a Family Court matter."
She said the outdated spaces and security were not sufficient to deal with increasing risks in court.
"Particularly since the return from Covid we just are recognising defence lawyers, Youth Court and Family Court lawyers were getting increasingly distressed, metal health and addiction issues, members of the public highly stressed coming into the court environment."
Dew said the Ministry of Justice had put aside funds to upgrade courtrooms but there was a 10-year wait.
She said interim measures were needed now.
"There needs to be better planning of the courtroom space's entrances and exits for lawyers and court staff so if there are events people can get out safely and quickly. They also don't risk coming into contact when they enter a courtroom or entering the courtroom building if there are serious concerns.
"I think there needs to be more prior planning and consultation with the lawyers on the ground. These defence lawyers, Family Court lawyers, youth lawyers, they know when these risky cases are coming".
RNZ has contacted the Ministry of Justice for comment.
