A new law working its way through Parliament could soon change the process for handling allegations against judges -- even as a Supreme Court justice remains on leave while a complaint against him is reviewed.
Justice Minister David Lametti said that if it passes, Bill C-9 would amend the Judges Act to create a new process for the Canadian Judicial Council to review misconduct allegations that are not serious enough to warrant a judge's removal.
The bill, which is currently being considered by the Senate, would also clarify the circumstances under which a judge can be removed, and change the way the council reports its recommendations to the minister. Complaints that are deemed trivial, vexatious, made for an improper purpose or without substance won't be looked at further.
"We want judges to be able to make decisions in very complicated cases, difficult cases, without worrying about the recourse by the parties, by government," said Farrow. Any regime dealing with judicial complaints must strike a balance between protecting the privacy and independence of judges and being transparent with the public, said Farrow.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Judicial council reviewing complaint against Supreme Court of Canada's Russell BrownThe Canadian Judicial Council says it is reviewing a complaint about the alleged conduct of Supreme Court of Canada Justice Russell Brown.
Read more »
Judicial council reviewing complaint against Supreme Court of Canada’s Russell Brown | National NewswatchNational Newswatch: Canada's most comprehensive site for political news and views. Make it a daily habit.
Read more »
Canadian Judicial Council investigating complaint against Supreme Court Justice Russell BrownThe disciplinary body did not disclose any details about the complaint against Justice Brown, who has been on leave of absence since Feb. 1
Read more »
Judicial Council says it's reviewing complaint against Supreme Court Justice Russell Brown | CBC NewsThe Canadian Judicial Council says it is reviewing an allegation of misconduct made against Supreme Court Justice Russell Brown, who is currently on leave from the top court.
Read more »
Judicial council reviewing complaint against Supreme Court of Canada's Russell BrownThe Canadian Judicial Council is reviewing a complaint about the alleged conduct of Supreme Court of Canada Justice Russell Brown.
Read more »
Judicial council reviewing complaint against Supreme Court of Canada’s Russell BrownThe Canadian Judicial Council says it is reviewing a complaint about the alleged conduct of Supreme Court of Canada Justice Russell Brown.
Read more »