Despite revelations today that Tasmanian magistrates haven't been appointed correctly for three decades don't expect Risdon to be releasing prisoners en masse.
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According to Attorney-General Vanessa Goodwin "legal doctrine" upholds the validity of any sentences, decisions or actions handed down during that time.
However an urgent swearing-in session was held earlier today for all magistrates, coroners and justices of the peace to validate their authority.
Under the Promissory Oaths Act 1869 magistrates, coroners and bench justices have to take the judicial oath before the Governor or a judge of the Supreme Court of Tasmania.
This hadn't been happening for 30 years.
"This requirement is impractical and outdated," Dr Goodwin said today.
"It is appropriate that, having identified this potential issue, the Liberal Government takes immediate action to both update the relevant legislative provisions and ensure appointments remain valid."
An amendment will be introduced in the next sitting of parliament to update the process to allow a the judicial oath be heard before a magistrate. It will also validate, for the removal of any doubt, current Justice of the Peace appointments.