The Lawyer's Daily

Canadian Judicial Council asks top court to settle whether discipline body subject to judicial review

Canadian Judicial Council executive director and senior general counsel Norman Sabourin said the council of chief justices is seeking clarity on the rules applicable to the removal of federally appointed judges.

Friday, August 16, 2019 @ 11:01 AM

The contentious question of whether the disciplinary actions of the Canadian Judicial Council (CJC) can be judicially reviewed for procedural fairness has landed on the steps of the highest court in the land — where two of nine judges won’t play a role in the outcome. On Aug. 15, the disciplinary body for Canada’s 1,224 federally appointed judges announced that it is asking the top court to clarify whether the council’s decisions and recommendations, and those of its inquiry committees, are subject to the Federal Court’s oversight. ... [read more]

Prison needle exchange program will out drug users, advocate says

Friday, August 16, 2019 @ 8:47 AM

A lack of inmate confidentiality in Canada’s prison needle exchange program will discourage prisoners from participating and “strikes at the heart” of having an effective health initiative, says a critic. ... [read more]

B.C. pro bono organization takes over lawyer referral service CBABC executive director Kerry L. Simmons

Thursday, August 15, 2019 @ 12:10 PM

B.C.’s Lawyer Referral Service (LRS) is under new management. With funding from the Law Foundation of B.C., the Canadian Bar Association, B.C. Branch (CBABC) has operated the LRS for over 60 years, providing the public an opportunity to have an initial consultation with a lawyer about their concerns. ... [read more]