Penelope Wass

Penelope Wass is a District Court Judge in New South Wales currently embroiled in a legal and ethical controversy involving the state's prosecutors. She is newsworthy due to an ongoing dispute with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), who are seeking her recusal from a historical sexual offences trial. The ODPP's application is based on apprehended bias. Recent developments include the referral of the conflict to the NSW privileges committee. This referral stems from concerns that the ODPP improperly used a submission Wass made to a parliamentary inquiry against her in their recusal application. The privileges committee is investigating whether parliamentary rules were breached and if there was any intimidation involved. The situation is significant as it raises questions about the separation of powers, judicial independence, and the ethical conduct of both the judiciary and the prosecution service in NSW.