When District Court judges are unavailable to hear domestic violence protective order cases, retired judges pitch in. Recently two different visiting domestic violence judges didn’t know about a major change in domestic violence law that took effect Oct. 1, 2015.  The new law is important – it allows dating violence victims to file for full year protective orders instead of 6 month peace orders. When the judge doesn’t know the law it can result in delays, confusion, and even inadequate protection. Courts might consider providing a “cheat sheet” with the latest updates in domestic violence law or process to substitute judges.
judge and gavel