NEW JUDGES
A pair of lawyers will put on a new set of robes Wednesday when they assume their posts as judges of the Ontario Court of Justice.
Attorney General Chris Bentley last week named Justice Nathalie Gregson, a family law sole practitioner, and Justice Paul Kowalyshyn, also a sole practitioner, the province’s newest members of the bench.
“Justices Gregson and Kowalyshyn bring a broad range of legal experience to their new roles,” said Bentley in a release. “These two judges will not only provide justice to Ontarians - they will also help keep our courts running smoothly.”
Gregson, who will preside in Sault Ste. Marie, was called to the bar in 1994, and has worked as a family law specialist ever since.
She has represented the Children’s Aid Society for the districts of Nipissing and Parry Sound, helped organize a collaborative family law program in North Bay, and acted for children as an Office of the Children’s Lawyer panel member.
The new judge also served as a deputy judge with the Small Claims Court, and was an active board member for North Bay’s Legal Aid Ontario Appeals Committee.
Kowalyshyn, who will preside in Chatham, was called to the bar in 1987 and has focused his practice on civil, family, and criminal law.
The former president of the Lambton Law Association and chairman of the County and District Law Presidents’ Association has participated on the Civil and Criminal Law Duty Counsel Panels.
CLA WANTS ACTION ON OMAR KHADR
The Criminal Lawyers’ Association says it’s time for the Canadian government to repatriate Canadian citizen Omar Khadr from U.S. forces in Guantanamo Bay.
“It is time for our government to act,” said CLA president Frank Addario in a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, paraphrased in a release. “The government should associate itself with the rule of law on this issue.
Mr. Khadr should be repatriated to Canada, where he can be tried in accordance with the constitutional rights and protections afforded to every Canadian citizen.”
The association said that Khadr has been deprived of basic civil liberties since being captured as a wounded 15-year-old, and noted that an interrogator has admitted to torturing Khadr.
Canada is the only Western, democratic country that has been unable to secure the release of one of its citizens, said the CLA.
“Canada’s continued reluctance to interfere in Mr. Khadr’s detention is at odds with both the international community and the stated view of president-elect Barack Obama, who pledged to close down Guantanamo Bay and relocate prisoners like Mr. Khadr,” stated the release.
IBA FEATURES ICC E-MAGAZINE
The International Bar Association hopes to encourage lawyers and bar associations to engage with the International Criminal Court by launching a new e-magazine, EQ: Equality of Arms Review.
“This important publication informs lawyers about the ICC’s work through a compilation of concise, thought-provoking articles on important developments at the court,” said the association in a release. “EQ will act as a valuable resource for lawyers worldwide.”
The IBA said the magazine will feature articles on specific issues defendants and defence teams face at the ICC, as well as discussion of major issues the court is running up against.
“The long-term viability of the ICC depends on collaboration and support of the legal profession,” said IBA executive director Mark Ellis. “Lawyers need timely information about key developments at the court in a format that is quick, easy to read, yet comprehensive.
EQ is an important resource that the IBA expects will increase knowledge and awareness about the ICC and act as an important bridge between the legal community and the court.”
