The Criminal Bar Association says increased leave for District Court judges will add to the pressure already evident in the system.
Judges can now take 100 days long service leave every five years, up from 65.
While Attorney-General Chris Finlayson says there are 22 acting judges and 152 permanent judges, the Criminal Bar Association says there are backlogs and delays to a number of cases.
The association says that is the result of changes to the way courts operate, with more administrative work for judges. Hearings and trials can be cancelled so that work can be done.
The association also says the new leave entitlement equates to about five judges out of the system each year, further stretching the system.
