Black labrador Molly lies on a carpeted floor with a certificate.

Three new facility dogs have started work in the National Court Dog Program.

Molly, Lani and Sunny were sworn in on 9 and 10 July at the Parramatta, Sydney and Newcastle Registries.

The purchase of the dogs has been funded by the Law Society of New South Wales, and the dogs were expertly trained and supplied by Guide Dogs Australia.

video will be played at each swearing in ceremony to introduce the new dogs and celebrate the progress of the Court Dog Program to date.

The National Court Dog Program has made real and significant improvements to the experiences of many litigants since its introduction in the Melbourne and Hobart registries of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.

Court Dogs are used as trauma-informed support for vulnerable litigants, witnesses and children. Each dog is carefully matched to each registry to support victims of crime during legal proceedings, offering comfort and confidence in often challenging circumstances. One of the fundamental principles to utilising Court Dogs is that they enhance the legal process and maintain its integrity, not distract from it.

The Chief Justice of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, William Alstergren, said the investment by the Law Society of New South Wales goes a long way towards helping vulnerable court users in the state. 

“It’s a credit to the Law Society of New South Wales and its members that they’ve decided to fund the three new dogs for our registries in Sydney, Parramatta and Newcastle. We’ve been overwhelmed at the positive reception our Court Dog Program has received in Melbourne and Hobart, so we’re beyond excited to see the impact these new additions will make in New South Wales.”

President of the Law Society of NSW Jennifer Ball said the proven benefits of specially trained dogs in a court environment makes the investment in this program a positive step for justice.

“Lawyers involved in court proceedings rely on their witnesses giving the best evidence possible. Whether they be adults or children, witnesses who feel less anxious, and more comfortable and supported, are shown to produce more reliable evidence, have better factual recall, speak more clearly and coherently, and exhibit fewer signs of distress.”

Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Therapy Dog Program Team Leader Samantha O’Keeffe said Molly, Lani and Sunny have been carefully chosen for the role.  

“We’re so proud to see Molly, Lani and Sunny officially sworn in as Court Dogs and take their place at Sydney, Parramatta and Newcastle registries where they will play a vital role. Each dog has been carefully selected for their calm, gentle and affectionate temperament and highly trained to provide comfort and emotional support in high-stress court settings.”