The ACT government announced the appointment of Special Magistrate Anthony Hopkins in a media release on Wednesday, saying he was an expert in criminal law.

Dr Hopkins started work as a lawyer in 2002 at Legal Aid in the Northern Territory before working with the Aboriginal Legal Service in Alice Springs.

Margaret Hunter, a former senior prosecutor at the ACT DPP who has been a special magistrate since 2014, was also extended in her role on the bench, the government announced.

Dr Hopkins said he was honoured by his appointment.

"I am particularly delighted to have the opportunity to work with Elders on the Galambany Court in collaboration with the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community," he said.

ACT Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury said Dr Hopkins's role was an important one.

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"His background and experience in therapeutic jurisprudence mean that he is well equipped to contribute to the work of the Magistrates Court including its circle sentencing court, the Galambany Court," Mr Rattenbury said.

"I congratulate both Dr Hopkins and Ms Hunter and look forward to their continued contribution to the law and the Canberra community."

The appointments will run until June 2022.

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