The Christchurch Civic Creche Case
	News Reports Index
	1999 July-Dec
	Truth July 9 1999 Justice for and by top women Women are more and more grabbing centre stage in a world of justice formerly dominated by men. New Zealand women of the legal fraternity can thank groundbreakers like Chief Justice Dame Sian Elias and Judge Dame Sylvia Cartwright for new profile in the courtrooms of this country. When Dame Sian began law studies in 1966 she was just one of only eight women among 400 students. Only 30 percent of practising lawyers are women and just 13 percent of law firm principals and High Court judges. Earlier this year Equal Opportunities Trust executive director Trudy McNaughton complained a lack of female law graduates could no longer be used as an excuse for not promoting women in the profession. A new name on everybody's lips as someone billed for stardom is that of Judith Ablett-Kerr QC. The prolific Christchurch barrister shot to prominence when she successfully defended the poison professor case. She's now championing convicted child molester Peter Ellis' well-founded freedom bid before the Court of Appeal and its five judges. Mrs Ablett-Kerr has brought a new respect, authority and credibility to the well of the court scarcely witnessed today - even among men!