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Brisbane’s Federal Court has welcomed a new four-legged recruit who is set to help improve the experiences of litigants as part of the Courts’ National Court Dog Program. An official swearing-in ceremony was held for Leo at the Brisbane registry this morning, where he was already seen capturing the hearts of those in attendance. The Chief Justice of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, William Alstergren AO, said, “Leo’s presence will greatly assist children and vulnerable litigants to feel safer and calmer when at court.” Research indicates Court Dogs help reduce the effects of cortisol, the stress hormone that increases a human’s heart rate and blood pressure, along with increasing oxytocin, which reduces anxiety and improves a person’s clarity of thought and sense of calm.