A newly released document shows prosecutors in Saskatchewan weighed backlash and remorse felt by people accused of posting hateful online messages after the high-profile shooting death of a young Cree man.
Enforce COVID-19 health orders, Saskatoon lawyer says, with only 2 of 28 fines from last year paid
In Saskatchewan last year, 28 people and businesses were fined for violating coronavirus public health orders, yet only two have paid their fines, according to the Ministry of Justice.
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Posted: Jan 22, 2021 12:59 PM CT | Last Updated: January 22
Hundreds have attended rallies to protest mask-wearing, vaccines and a host of other issues, but very few fines have been issued. Even fewer have been paid, according to information from the Ministry of Justice.(Mr. YXE/Twitter)
REGINA A Regina judge will be reviewed by his peers for visiting a protest camp earlier this year. Justice Graeme Mitchell ruled against the Government of Saskatchewan in September, after it sought to have a suicide prevention advocate and his tipi removed from Wascana Park. Mitchell provided his ruling on Sept. 11, and visited Tristen Durocher’s protest site on Sept. 13. Mitchell said in his ruling that Durocher’s right to protest was protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Now, The Canadian Judicial Council says a panel will look into these action. “Under council’s bylaws, a Judicial Conduct Review Panel may be established when it is determined that a complaint might be serious enough to warrant the removal of the judge,” a release from the council said Tuesday.
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A judge who visited a Metis man at his protest camp on Saskatchewan’s legislature grounds is facing a review by his fellow judges.
The Canadian Judicial Council says a panel will look into the actions of Justice Graeme Mitchell, who heard arguments in the case of Tristen Durocher in September.
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“Under council’s bylaws, a Judicial Conduct Review Panel may be established when it is determined that a complaint might be serious enough to warrant the removal of the judge,” a release from the council said Tuesday.
SASKATOON Court operations have pivoted significantly since the beginning of the pandemic, criminal defence lawyer Chris Lavier says. More appearances are being handled over the phone or video making for a quicker court process. “Things are running like a well-oiled machine,” Lavier said. “Most of the court appearances where testimony isn’t required are all happening via teleconference now. So if it’s in the city, Saskatoon, Regina or Prince Albert they are on teleconference.” Accused people not in custody don’t have to appear in court for a resolution either, he said. The process is running quicker and more efficiently since court services transitioned to pandemic operations, he said.