Court of Appeal of Québec: Annual General Meeting

Overview

The annual general meeting provided an opportunity to consider various social and political  trends that are challenging the courts’ traditional role in Western democracies. A roster of expert  speakers examined this topic from a variety of perspectives. 

Objectives

 This education seminar was designed to help Court of Appeal judges broaden their  knowledge of judicial reform issues, and to reflect on how the social context influences their decisions  and how their decisions in turn may influence the surrounding social context. Participants explored  critical perspectives while gaining insight into public perceptions of the judicial system. 

Summary

This education seminar focused on the shift in public perceptions of the judicial system in  Québec and elsewhere. Guest speakers included a former Israel Supreme Court judge and an expert in  judicial independence. Participants discussed judges’ role in preventing and deterring crime, and their  limited ability to curb criminality in our society. A panel of experts explored Quebecers’ perceptions of  the judicial system, providing an opportunity for participants to assess the relationship between trust in  the media and the media’s impact on perceptions, as well as disinformation, social media, and the  influence of international politics. The closing remarks examined judicial discipline through the lens of  public law values, considering in particular the recent reform of the complaint and discipline procedure  for federally appointed judges.