Law mandates training in sex assault law for new judges

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This article was published 30/11/2021 (1762 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

New provincial court judges in Manitoba will have to undergo training in sexual assault law and social context under legislation introduced Tuesday.

Bill 4 (the Court of Appeal Amendment and Provincial Court Amendment Act) outlines continuing education for judges and ensures candidates for judicial appointments participate in education on matters related to sexual assault and social context.

The majority of sexual assault cases are addressed in provincial court.

Sex assault education has been required for candidates who are seeking federal appointments to the Manitoba Court of Appeal and the Manitoba Court of Queen’s Bench since May. It requires judges in all courts to provide reasons for their decisions in sexual assault proceedings.

The new legislation changes Manitoba’s selection process for judges of the provincial court to better align with best practices in other jurisdictions, and enhances accountability by assuring the full number of judicial applicants receive consideration, the province said in a news release.

For judge selection, the minister currently selects a name from a list of three to six candidates that an appointment committee has screened and recommended as suitable. The proposed law would require the committee to give the minister a list that has an evaluation and brief description of all candidates.