 During the first period of his ministry he became involved in a dispute with the Chief Justice, Sir Frederick Darley, over requests for improved court accommodation and a contested punishment for contempt of two witnesses.Despite embarrassing his premier, he remained close with Parkes throughout his state career and in later years frequently gave speeches in his memory.Gould's career as justice minister was marked by consolidation of the law, tightening of licensing laws and reforms relating to police courts.