Judges and Politics in Australia
In the absence of Mr. Scullin, the Prime Minister, and Mr. Brennan, the Attorney-General, the Australian Cabinet has decided to appoint two Judges to the High Court. Mr. Brennan had actually telegraphed from London advising the Cabinet to do nothing before the Prime Minister's return. The Labour Caucus, however, which is a sort of super-Government, decided otherwise. The Cabinet acted on this instruction or command. The Times correspondent says that the appointments have caused surprise as neither of the new Judges has had much experience. The Argus published an indignant article,
headed " Politics on the Bench." The danger of con- fusing the functions of the Bench and the Executive has always been recognized in this country, but as we have said in our first leading article, the Government seem to be jeopardizing the principle by allotting a perilous duty to the Attorney-General in the Trade Disputes Bill. * * * *
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