Skip to menu Skip to main content
Show search field
fr
  1. Home Page
  2. What We Do
  3. Atlantic Courts Education Seminar for Federally Appointed Judges
Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador
October 11 2023 - October 13 2023

Atlantic Courts Education Seminar for Federally Appointed Judges

The seminar began with an overview of recent Supreme Court of Canada and appellate cases in criminal, family, and civil law. A family law and a valuation expert then delved into the legal intricacies of financial statements in family and other matters. Other sessions explored the following issues: what cognitive science can teach judges about judgment writing, and the nature of microaggressions and how they can be addressed. The program continued by focusing on the following topics: how to organize complex trials in criminal and family matters; challenges judges encounter when navigating and assessing social media evidence; myths and preconceptions about people living in poverty, barriers between individuals living in poverty and the judicial system, as well as how courts can lessen barriers and avoid re-traumatizing individuals experiencing poverty; issues surrounding judicial privilege when judges cross the Canadian border. The seminar concluded with a discussion about best practices when conducting alternative dispute resolution proceedings, and an interactive presentation on the psychological mechanisms which underpin procrastination, and best practices to avoid it.

Number of Participants: 94

Overview

This program focused on a variety of substantive, skills-based, and social context topics  relevant to superior court and appellate judges across Atlantic Canada. Sessions included a combination  of presentations, panel discussions, and interactive group conversations led by senior judges, multi disciplinary academics, professionals, and representatives from the local community. 

Objectives

The objectives of this program were to: (1) enhance practical skills related to judgment  writing, managing complex trials, conducting alternative dispute resolution proceedings, and addressing  procrastination; (2) increase substantive knowledge in the areas of digital evidence, financial statements  and judicial privilege when crossing the Canadian border and; (3) develop awareness of the social  context around microaggressions and how poverty and trauma impact individuals’ interaction with the  justice system. 

Summary

The seminar began with an overview of recent Supreme Court of Canada and appellate cases  in criminal, family, and civil law. A family law and a valuation expert then delved into the legal intricacies  of financial statements in family and other matters. Other sessions explored the following issues: what  cognitive science can teach judges about judgment writing, and the nature of microaggressions and how  they can be addressed. 
The program continued by focusing on the following topics: how to organize complex trials in criminal  and family matters; challenges judges encounter when navigating and assessing social media evidence;  myths and preconceptions about people living in poverty, barriers between individuals living in poverty  and the judicial system, as well as how courts can lessen barriers and avoid re-traumatizing individuals  experiencing poverty; issues surrounding judicial privilege when judges cross the Canadian border.  The seminar concluded with a discussion about best practices when conducting alternative dispute  resolution proceedings, and an interactive presentation on the psychological mechanisms which  underpin procrastination, and best practices to avoid it.