This is a preliminary summary only. I hope to obtain more details later.
All five cases are still within the criminal justice system. The Crown (the Office of Public Prosecutions) was also present in court via video link and contributed to the proceedings. Several members from the Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses attended the hearing as observers, no doubt out of curiosity.
Legal Counsel for Jehovah's Witnesses, Sister Rachel van Witsen, an employee of Vincent Toole Solicitors, presented arguments on behalf of the following "accused":
Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Australia
Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, Inc.
Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses
Faithful and Discreet Slave
A number of the legal arguments presented by the Watch Tower Society shocked the members of the Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses who were observing. This included that there is no Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses operating in the State of Victoria or in Australia.
Also the true legal and religious identity of the "faithful and discreet slave" was revealed. (More on this development later)
In relation to the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses, the Magistrate made recommendation that consideration be given to having each individual member of the Governing Body criminally charged. He was NOT IMPRESSED that the religion of Jehovah's Witnesses had been refusing to comply with the Working with Children Act since July 2008. He asked for an explanation as to why they refused to comply but none was offered by their legal counsel other than "it has all been sorted out."
An application was made by the Crown (the Director of Public Prosecutions) for an adjournment of the case for four weeks so that they can complete the gathering of evidence in conjunction with Victoria Police.
The next court hearing date is scheduled for November 8, 2011.
I am hoping that more information from our XJW in Australia, who commented on the last court hearing, will be forthcoming asap. Barbara
