NSW: Stopwatches could stop courtroom delays, says Chief Justice

AAP General News (Australia)
02-03-2004
NSW: Stopwatches could stop courtroom delays, says Chief Justice

The state's most senior judge has suggested putting stopwatches in courts to rein in
cost and time delays on trials.

Chief Justice of New South Wales JAMES SPIGELMAN says the usual practice of charging
legal clients by the hour rewards inefficiency.

Justice SPIGELMAN told last night's Law Society dinner in Sydney that legal fees are
one of the few areas to escape cost-cutting drives by companies.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports him saying the business community will expect a more
cost-effective …