Victorian Magistrate Vicky Prapas Reprimanded for ‘Slap You Around’ Remark and Inappropriate Court Comments

A Victorian magistrate has been formally reprimanded after an investigation found she used offensive and inappropriate language in court, including telling a court user, “I want to slap you around a bit, too.” The Judicial Commission of Victoria found that Magistrate Vicky Prapas made a series of concerning remarks, one of which occurred while school children were present in the courtroom. The commission’s findings highlight a pattern of conduct that fell short of the standards expected of judicial officers. The reprimand serves as a reminder that judicial language must maintain decorum and respect, especially in public proceedings. It also underscores the importance of accountability mechanisms for judges and magistrates in Australia’s court system. Prapas has not publicly commented on the commission’s decision. The case may prompt further review of judicial training and conduct guidelines to prevent similar incidents and protect public confidence in the judiciary.