Barking Up The Right Tree: Tasmania’s First Four-Legged Judicial Appointment

In Hobart’s Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) Registry, Zoey visits hearings, legal interviews and settlement conferences – all to relieve people’s stress as they navigate the justice system.
In a heartwarming development, the Hobart registry of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia has welcomed its newest member to the team, Zoey – a specially trained support dog. The appointment of Zoey marks a significant step in enhancing the emotional well-being of those involved in legal proceedings, making the courtroom environment more comforting and less intimidating. This initiative has been made possible due to the efforts of Judge Taglieri, her owner, who proposed that Zoey be trained as a Court Support Dog.

A Pioneering Initiative
While for many years support dogs have been used in courtrooms elsewhere including in the USA, Canada and Europe, it remains an emerging practice in Australia and Zoey’s appointment in Hobart represents a pioneering move in Tasmania. “She is the first judicial appointment of a four-legged variety” Chief Justice Alstergren AO announced during a speech at a recent function at the court. Zoey’s role is to provide a reassuring presence to individuals involved in legal proceedings, and she is already making a positive impact.

Zoey’s Schedule and Availability
Zoey will be available at the Hobart registry 2-3 times per week, depending on demand. To manage her availability, there will be an internal diary system known as the “Zoey Diary.” This system will allow court personnel, including visiting judges, to check Zoey’s availability and make bookings as needed.

While Zoey primarily works with Judge Taglieri, who is her guardian, visiting judges are also welcome to book her assistance if they have a litigant who requires support. Zoey’s handler, Liz, is a dedicated volunteer who receives an honorarium generously donated by the local Family Law Practitioners’ Association (FLPA) and Women’s Legal Service.

Zoey’s Key Functions
After completing her accreditation, Zoey will serve three main functions within the courtroom environment:

• Assisting Parents and Children in Court Child Expert Interviews: Zoey will provide emotional support to parents and children involved in court child expert interviews, helping to create a more comfortable and less distressing experience.
• Assisting Vulnerable Witnesses: Zoey will also play a crucial role in supporting vulnerable witnesses, both in the courtroom and in designated safe rooms. Her presence will help ease the anxiety often associated with testifying.
• General Interaction: Beyond her specific roles, Zoey will interact with court staff and legal practitioners, promoting a calm and supportive atmosphere.

Judge Taglieri’s Perspective
Judge Sandra Taglieri, shared her thoughts on this Tasmanian first: “ I believed that Zoey could assist at the court and developed the idea of a project for Hobart as an extension of the successful court dog pilot program implemented in the Melbourne Registry. The profession in Tasmania has embraced the program, and Zoey has already been present for court hearings and judicial settlement conferences as part of her preparation and training for her accreditation. The response from the parties and from the profession has been exceedingly positive.”

Incorporating support dogs like Zoey into the courtroom environment is a testament to the commitment of the Hobart registry and judicial community to provide a more compassionate experience for those navigating the complexities of the legal system, fostering a more empathetic and humane approach to justice.

Zoey begins her official duties after accreditation in late 2023 /early 2024.