Peter Dutton's latest potshot at the judiciary shows an alarming contempt for the rule of law, Greens Justice spokesperson Senator Nick McKim says.

"Dutton's suggestion of 'public reflection' is a step towards the direct election of judges - an alarming proposition for someone with as much unchecked power as him."

"Judges and magistrates should be independent experts in the law, not populist politicians."

"This is a dangerous erosion of the rule of law, and Malcolm Turnbull should finally bring his out of control minister to heel."