A secret closed court session ends in a Supreme Court judge facing unforeseen arrest and charges

Content warning: This article mentions sensitive topics, including assault and emotional abuse, that may be triggering for some readers. Discretion is advised.

In an unprecedented event that has sent shockwaves through the Australian legal community, a Supreme Court judge has been arrested and charged with assault and emotional abuse.

This marks the first time in over two centuries that a Supreme Court judge has faced criminal charges, making this a historic moment in Australian jurisprudence.



Justice Gregory Geason, a 62-year-old Tasmanian Supreme Court judge, was brought before the Hobart Magistrates Court in an out-of-session sitting on a Friday night.

The charges levelled against him include one count of common assault and one count of emotional abuse.


Screenshot 2023-12-04 at 8.48.11 AM.png
Supreme Court judge Gregory Geason was arrested. Credit: news.com.au



In a move that underscores the gravity of the situation, the media was denied access to the proceedings.

The Tasmanian Department of Justice confirmed that the court had imposed restrictions on reporting the name of the 'affected person' in accordance with the Family Violence Act.

Justice Geason was granted bail, and the case is set to be heard on February 6 next year. The Supreme Court judge was reportedly escorted from the building via a back entrance to avoid the media waiting outside.



Tasmania Police confirmed the arrest and charges against the 62-year-old Hobart man on Friday.

'The man has been charged with one count of common assault, as well as one count of emotional abuse,' a Tasmania Police spokesperson said.

Justice Geason, a respected figure in the legal community, was appointed to the Tasmanian Supreme Court in November 2017. He has practised law for nearly four decades, making his arrest and charges all the more shocking.

In a dramatic twist, Chief Justice Alan Blow was compelled to ask Justice Geason to step aside in early November. The details surrounding this move were scant, adding to the intrigue and speculation.



Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Guy Barnett issued a brief statement to the media, revealing that a Supreme Court judge had been asked to 'take leave without further notice' at the behest of the Chief Justice.

'Today I met with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in relation to a significant matter involving a Judge,' the statement read.

'The Chief Justice has asked the Judge to take leave until further notice.'

The arrest and charges against Justice Geason have sent ripples through the legal community, raising questions about the integrity of the judiciary and the potential impact on ongoing cases.

The Supreme Court, as the highest court in the state, is expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct, and any breach of these standards can have far-reaching implications.



Aside from members of the judiciary, public figures, such as television personalities, are expected to be of good moral values and integrity.

This story comes after an unnamed female television personality from Channel 7, who has already been accused of a series of grave offences related to indecent treatment of a child, has been hit with an additional 40 charges. Read more about the story here.
Key Takeaways
  • A Supreme Court Judge has been arrested and charged with assault and emotional abuse.
  • The judge, Justice Gregory Geason, appeared before Hobart Magistrates Court on charges of common assault and emotional abuse.
  • Justice Geason has been granted bail, and the case will be heard on February 6 next year.
  • Chief Justice Alan Blow had asked Justice Geason to 'take leave without further notice' in early November before the charges were laid.
What are your thoughts on this unprecedented event, members? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
 
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Content warning: This article mentions sensitive topics, including assault and emotional abuse, that may be triggering for some readers. Discretion is advised.

In an unprecedented event that has sent shockwaves through the Australian legal community, a Supreme Court judge has been arrested and charged with assault and emotional abuse.

This marks the first time in over two centuries that a Supreme Court judge has faced criminal charges, making this a historic moment in Australian jurisprudence.



Justice Gregory Geason, a 62-year-old Tasmanian Supreme Court judge, was brought before the Hobart Magistrates Court in an out-of-session sitting on a Friday night.

The charges levelled against him include one count of common assault and one count of emotional abuse.


View attachment 36514
Supreme Court judge Gregory Geason was arrested. Credit: news.com.au



In a move that underscores the gravity of the situation, the media was denied access to the proceedings.

The Tasmanian Department of Justice confirmed that the court had imposed restrictions on reporting the name of the 'affected person' in accordance with the Family Violence Act.

Justice Geason was granted bail, and the case is set to be heard on February 6 next year. The Supreme Court judge was reportedly escorted from the building via a back entrance to avoid the media waiting outside.



Tasmania Police confirmed the arrest and charges against the 62-year-old Hobart man on Friday.

'The man has been charged with one count of common assault, as well as one count of emotional abuse,' a Tasmania Police spokesperson said.

Justice Geason, a respected figure in the legal community, was appointed to the Tasmanian Supreme Court in November 2017. He has practised law for nearly four decades, making his arrest and charges all the more shocking.

In a dramatic twist, Chief Justice Alan Blow was compelled to ask Justice Geason to step aside in early November. The details surrounding this move were scant, adding to the intrigue and speculation.



Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Guy Barnett issued a brief statement to the media, revealing that a Supreme Court judge had been asked to 'take leave without further notice' at the behest of the Chief Justice.

'Today I met with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in relation to a significant matter involving a Judge,' the statement read.

'The Chief Justice has asked the Judge to take leave until further notice.'

The arrest and charges against Justice Geason have sent ripples through the legal community, raising questions about the integrity of the judiciary and the potential impact on ongoing cases.

The Supreme Court, as the highest court in the state, is expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct, and any breach of these standards can have far-reaching implications.



Aside from members of the judiciary, public figures, such as television personalities, are expected to be of good moral values and integrity.

This story comes after an unnamed female television personality from Channel 7, who has already been accused of a series of grave offences related to indecent treatment of a child, has been hit with an additional 40 charges. Read more about the story here.
Key Takeaways

  • A Supreme Court Judge has been arrested and charged with assault and emotional abuse.
  • The judge, Justice Gregory Geason, appeared before Hobart Magistrates Court on charges of common assault and emotional abuse.
  • Justice Geason has been granted bail, and the case will be heard on February 6 next year.
  • Chief Justice Alan Blow had asked Justice Geason to 'take leave without further notice' in early November before the charges were laid.
What are your thoughts on this unprecedented event, members? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
No one is above the Law
 
Content warning: This article mentions sensitive topics, including assault and emotional abuse, that may be triggering for some readers. Discretion is advised.

In an unprecedented event that has sent shockwaves through the Australian legal community, a Supreme Court judge has been arrested and charged with assault and emotional abuse.

This marks the first time in over two centuries that a Supreme Court judge has faced criminal charges, making this a historic moment in Australian jurisprudence.



Justice Gregory Geason, a 62-year-old Tasmanian Supreme Court judge, was brought before the Hobart Magistrates Court in an out-of-session sitting on a Friday night.

The charges levelled against him include one count of common assault and one count of emotional abuse.


View attachment 36514
Supreme Court judge Gregory Geason was arrested. Credit: news.com.au



In a move that underscores the gravity of the situation, the media was denied access to the proceedings.

The Tasmanian Department of Justice confirmed that the court had imposed restrictions on reporting the name of the 'affected person' in accordance with the Family Violence Act.

Justice Geason was granted bail, and the case is set to be heard on February 6 next year. The Supreme Court judge was reportedly escorted from the building via a back entrance to avoid the media waiting outside.



Tasmania Police confirmed the arrest and charges against the 62-year-old Hobart man on Friday.

'The man has been charged with one count of common assault, as well as one count of emotional abuse,' a Tasmania Police spokesperson said.

Justice Geason, a respected figure in the legal community, was appointed to the Tasmanian Supreme Court in November 2017. He has practised law for nearly four decades, making his arrest and charges all the more shocking.

In a dramatic twist, Chief Justice Alan Blow was compelled to ask Justice Geason to step aside in early November. The details surrounding this move were scant, adding to the intrigue and speculation.



Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Guy Barnett issued a brief statement to the media, revealing that a Supreme Court judge had been asked to 'take leave without further notice' at the behest of the Chief Justice.

'Today I met with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in relation to a significant matter involving a Judge,' the statement read.

'The Chief Justice has asked the Judge to take leave until further notice.'

The arrest and charges against Justice Geason have sent ripples through the legal community, raising questions about the integrity of the judiciary and the potential impact on ongoing cases.

The Supreme Court, as the highest court in the state, is expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct, and any breach of these standards can have far-reaching implications.



Aside from members of the judiciary, public figures, such as television personalities, are expected to be of good moral values and integrity.

This story comes after an unnamed female television personality from Channel 7, who has already been accused of a series of grave offences related to indecent treatment of a child, has been hit with an additional 40 charges. Read more about the story here.
Key Takeaways

  • A Supreme Court Judge has been arrested and charged with assault and emotional abuse.
  • The judge, Justice Gregory Geason, appeared before Hobart Magistrates Court on charges of common assault and emotional abuse.
  • Justice Geason has been granted bail, and the case will be heard on February 6 next year.
  • Chief Justice Alan Blow had asked Justice Geason to 'take leave without further notice' in early November before the charges were laid.
What are your thoughts on this unprecedented event, members? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Anyone who thinks judges, magistrates, police officers, barristers, lawyers and all other members of the legal profession, do not commit domestic violence, are not paedophiles etc are naive.

The only difference between them and the rest of us is that they are a protected species insofar as the victim is usually too terrified to report such abuse. We've seen it so many times. Police close ranks, their perpetrator colleague finds out about the report and the abuse escalates.

Similarly with paedophiles. They also close ranks and protectceach other. Judges etc are not excluded from committing any crimes. But the tragedy is they sit in judgment of others. And we wonder why people guilty of domestic abuse ir even heinous crimes get such light sentences.
 
Being one that is interested in all things law related, I find this story disturbing. A precedence has been set and there is no way of going back. My only worry is the equity of the penalty. Say if Geason gets a good behaviour bond, would I get the same under similar circumstances? No - I would get 3 months imprisonment.
 
Being one that is interested in all things law related, I find this story disturbing. A precedence has been set and there is no way of going back. My only worry is the equity of the penalty. Say if Geason gets a good behaviour bond, would I get the same under similar circumstances? No - I would get 3 months imprisonment.
Actually I think that because of his position in the law service, he should be treated with utmost severity that the law allows without any form of remission.
 
Just for the record, I've spent two stints in jail and in no way proud of it. I will never hide behind a goody two shoes facade.

I've been in many courthouses, as a defendant, advocate for others and as a general observer. In watching many cases go through, I'm amazed at the inconsistency of magistrates in handing down their sentences. One person gets a 12 months good behaviour bond and 100 hours community service while the other gets a 3 month jail term for exactly the same crime with prior convictions taken into account.

Some magistrates see someone and take an instant dislike to them. That's human nature. But it is of paramount importance to judge in an impartial manner, sadly lacking in some cases.

Now Geason may get preferential treatment. That is unjust but again, I'm not privy to the case's details. It should be fun to see the outcome of the case.
 
Content warning: This article mentions sensitive topics, including assault and emotional abuse, that may be triggering for some readers. Discretion is advised.

In an unprecedented event that has sent shockwaves through the Australian legal community, a Supreme Court judge has been arrested and charged with assault and emotional abuse.

This marks the first time in over two centuries that a Supreme Court judge has faced criminal charges, making this a historic moment in Australian jurisprudence.



Justice Gregory Geason, a 62-year-old Tasmanian Supreme Court judge, was brought before the Hobart Magistrates Court in an out-of-session sitting on a Friday night.

The charges levelled against him include one count of common assault and one count of emotional abuse.


View attachment 36514
Supreme Court judge Gregory Geason was arrested. Credit: news.com.au



In a move that underscores the gravity of the situation, the media was denied access to the proceedings.

The Tasmanian Department of Justice confirmed that the court had imposed restrictions on reporting the name of the 'affected person' in accordance with the Family Violence Act.

Justice Geason was granted bail, and the case is set to be heard on February 6 next year. The Supreme Court judge was reportedly escorted from the building via a back entrance to avoid the media waiting outside.



Tasmania Police confirmed the arrest and charges against the 62-year-old Hobart man on Friday.

'The man has been charged with one count of common assault, as well as one count of emotional abuse,' a Tasmania Police spokesperson said.

Justice Geason, a respected figure in the legal community, was appointed to the Tasmanian Supreme Court in November 2017. He has practised law for nearly four decades, making his arrest and charges all the more shocking.

In a dramatic twist, Chief Justice Alan Blow was compelled to ask Justice Geason to step aside in early November. The details surrounding this move were scant, adding to the intrigue and speculation.



Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Guy Barnett issued a brief statement to the media, revealing that a Supreme Court judge had been asked to 'take leave without further notice' at the behest of the Chief Justice.

'Today I met with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in relation to a significant matter involving a Judge,' the statement read.

'The Chief Justice has asked the Judge to take leave until further notice.'

The arrest and charges against Justice Geason have sent ripples through the legal community, raising questions about the integrity of the judiciary and the potential impact on ongoing cases.

The Supreme Court, as the highest court in the state, is expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct, and any breach of these standards can have far-reaching implications.



Aside from members of the judiciary, public figures, such as television personalities, are expected to be of good moral values and integrity.

This story comes after an unnamed female television personality from Channel 7, who has already been accused of a series of grave offences related to indecent treatment of a child, has been hit with an additional 40 charges. Read more about the story here.
Key Takeaways

  • A Supreme Court Judge has been arrested and charged with assault and emotional abuse.
  • The judge, Justice Gregory Geason, appeared before Hobart Magistrates Court on charges of common assault and emotional abuse.
  • Justice Geason has been granted bail, and the case will be heard on February 6 next year.
  • Chief Justice Alan Blow had asked Justice Geason to 'take leave without further notice' in early November before the charges were laid.
What are your thoughts on this unprecedented event, members? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Well, if it is true and I believe for certainty that it is, he should be treated same as anyone else and not been given any preferential treatment.
I don't believe the excuse they found not to make it public and to exclude any media from his court appearance is appropriate and fair though.
 
Being one that is interested in all things law related, I find this story disturbing. A precedence has been set and there is no way of going back. My only worry is the equity of the penalty. Say if Geason gets a good behaviour bond, would I get the same under similar circumstances? No - I would get 3 months imprisonment.
You would not only get a 3 months imprisonmen sentence you will also get all your records shown what you did, and that will stay there forever.
 
Job titles do not make the man/woman. In this case, I look upon someone like this as a highly educated abuser.
Just because someone has done the x number of years studying for a particular profession, does not make this person exemplary in character.
Abusers come in many different colours. Someone who has a position of power may well transfer that feeling of control over to every day life, thereby affecting others around them.
My question regarding this particular case would be, how many people has he sent to prison for the same crime that he has allegedly committed? How will the position he holds affect the outcomes of previous cases he has heard? I shudder to think of the cases that will surface as being invalid because of a conflict of interest if he is found guilty.
This has all the earmarks of opening one big whopping can of worms.
 
Job titles do not make the man/woman. In this case, I look upon someone like this as a highly educated abuser.
Just because someone has done the x number of years studying for a particular profession, does not make this person exemplary in character.
Abusers come in many different colours. Someone who has a position of power may well transfer that feeling of control over to every day life, thereby affecting others around them.
My question regarding this particular case would be, how many people has he sent to prison for the same crime that he has allegedly committed? How will the position he holds affect the outcomes of previous cases he has heard? I shudder to think of the cases that will surface as being invalid because of a conflict of interest if he is found guilty.
This has all the earmarks of opening one big whopping can of worms.
You have hit the nail on the head. Well said!
 
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Reactions: magpie1 and DLHM
Job titles do not make the man/woman. In this case, I look upon someone like this as a highly educated abuser.
Just because someone has done the x number of years studying for a particular profession, does not make this person exemplary in character.
Abusers come in many different colours. Someone who has a position of power may well transfer that feeling of control over to every day life, thereby affecting others around them.
My question regarding this particular case would be, how many people has he sent to prison for the same crime that he has allegedly committed? How will the position he holds affect the outcomes of previous cases he has heard? I shudder to think of the cases that will surface as being invalid because of a conflict of interest if he is found guilty.
This has all the earmarks of opening one big whopping can of worms.
 
Talking about hitting the nail,on the head. I want to know and I think most would agree with me , who holds the High Court magistrates etc accountable for their actions? Case in point “ releasing the detainees” who are now causing more grief for families by them reoffending?
I say send the arseholes back from where they come from tear up,their passports and ban them from returning to Australia for life! They should have been sent back as soon as they offended.
Should put the magistrates in their place and detain them for all the grief they have caused!!!
 
Anyone who thinks judges, magistrates, police officers, barristers, lawyers and all other members of the legal profession, do not commit domestic violence, are not paedophiles etc are naive.

The only difference between them and the rest of us is that they are a protected species insofar as the victim is usually too terrified to report such abuse. We've seen it so many times. Police close ranks, their perpetrator colleague finds out about the report and the abuse escalates.

Similarly with paedophiles. They also close ranks and protectceach other. Judges etc are not excluded from committing any crimes. But the tragedy is they sit in judgment of others. And we wonder why people guilty of domestic abuse ir even heinous crimes get such light sentences.
Well said, MaggieMay1948! I’ve seen first hand the corruption that happens in the judicial system with their holier than thou attitudes.
 
My ex wife worked as a court officer at a NSW South Coast magistrates court in the 1990s and 2000s. Watching magistrates and solicitors rub shoulders after going hammer and tongs at the bench only a few hours beforehand, is a hoot! I've been to heaps of functions where this happened and I sit back and laugh! Funnily enough, two of those magistrates imposed good behaviour bonds and community service orders upon me. Well I didn't get any preferential treatment, and nor should I.
 
Content warning: This article mentions sensitive topics, including assault and emotional abuse, that may be triggering for some readers. Discretion is advised.

In an unprecedented event that has sent shockwaves through the Australian legal community, a Supreme Court judge has been arrested and charged with assault and emotional abuse.

This marks the first time in over two centuries that a Supreme Court judge has faced criminal charges, making this a historic moment in Australian jurisprudence.



Justice Gregory Geason, a 62-year-old Tasmanian Supreme Court judge, was brought before the Hobart Magistrates Court in an out-of-session sitting on a Friday night.

The charges levelled against him include one count of common assault and one count of emotional abuse.


View attachment 36514
Supreme Court judge Gregory Geason was arrested. Credit: news.com.au



In a move that underscores the gravity of the situation, the media was denied access to the proceedings.

The Tasmanian Department of Justice confirmed that the court had imposed restrictions on reporting the name of the 'affected person' in accordance with the Family Violence Act.

Justice Geason was granted bail, and the case is set to be heard on February 6 next year. The Supreme Court judge was reportedly escorted from the building via a back entrance to avoid the media waiting outside.



Tasmania Police confirmed the arrest and charges against the 62-year-old Hobart man on Friday.

'The man has been charged with one count of common assault, as well as one count of emotional abuse,' a Tasmania Police spokesperson said.

Justice Geason, a respected figure in the legal community, was appointed to the Tasmanian Supreme Court in November 2017. He has practised law for nearly four decades, making his arrest and charges all the more shocking.

In a dramatic twist, Chief Justice Alan Blow was compelled to ask Justice Geason to step aside in early November. The details surrounding this move were scant, adding to the intrigue and speculation.



Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Guy Barnett issued a brief statement to the media, revealing that a Supreme Court judge had been asked to 'take leave without further notice' at the behest of the Chief Justice.

'Today I met with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in relation to a significant matter involving a Judge,' the statement read.

'The Chief Justice has asked the Judge to take leave until further notice.'

The arrest and charges against Justice Geason have sent ripples through the legal community, raising questions about the integrity of the judiciary and the potential impact on ongoing cases.

The Supreme Court, as the highest court in the state, is expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct, and any breach of these standards can have far-reaching implications.



Aside from members of the judiciary, public figures, such as television personalities, are expected to be of good moral values and integrity.

This story comes after an unnamed female television personality from Channel 7, who has already been accused of a series of grave offences related to indecent treatment of a child, has been hit with an additional 40 charges. Read more about the story here.
Key Takeaways

  • A Supreme Court Judge has been arrested and charged with assault and emotional abuse.
  • The judge, Justice Gregory Geason, appeared before Hobart Magistrates Court on charges of common assault and emotional abuse.
  • Justice Geason has been granted bail, and the case will be heard on February 6 next year.
  • Chief Justice Alan Blow had asked Justice Geason to 'take leave without further notice' in early November before the charges were laid.
What are your thoughts on this unprecedented event, members? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
The law is for everyone to follow stuff up and you will end up in court regardless hopefully a proper sentence when the time arrives 👍
 
Every case deserves to be heard on its merits from both parties....there should be no favor asked or given because of someone's position in the community....the presiding Judge will make a decision based on many factors after listening to each parties submission....there is a lot to happen in this case before any court appearance and we should all just wait and see what eventuates in the future.
 
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Reactions: Kelpie
Job titles do not make the man/woman. In this case, I look upon someone like this as a highly educated abuser.
Just because someone has done the x number of years studying for a particular profession, does not make this person exemplary in character.
Abusers come in many different colours. Someone who has a position of power may well transfer that feeling of control over to every day life, thereby affecting others around them.
My question regarding this particular case would be, how many people has he sent to prison for the same crime that he has allegedly committed? How will the position he holds affect the outcomes of previous cases he has heard? I shudder to think of the cases that will surface as being invalid because of a conflict of interest if he is found guilty.
This has all the earmarks of opening one big whopping can of worms.
Terrific points that you have risen in these thread.
Yep this man could have sent people in prison for the same thing he did and we will never know if he gets the same treatment he dished out to others in the past.
 

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