Judging as Canada Changes: Safety and Security of Women

Overview

This program was designed and delivered collaboratively with the Canadian Chapter of the International Association of Women Judges (CCIAWJ, an organization open to both men and women) and focused on challenges with respect to cases of sexual assault, human trafficking and the safety and security of marginalized women.

Objective

The objective of the seminar was to provide an overview of legal developments about social context and the law with respect to the safety and security of women. Sessions were designed to encourage judges to examine the knowledge, skills, and attitudes applicable to judging in the areas under consideration using a variety of interactive learning tools.

Summary

Led by senior judges, academics, practitioners and community groups, the program used a combination of lectures, panels, and plenary discussions to address the following topics: issues and challenges presented by sexual assault trials, including gender stereotyping; human trafficking; property law and the impact on women’s safety and security; safety and security for marginalized women, particularly Indigenous women, immigrant and refugee women, transsexual women, and those with intellectual or psychological disabilities.

The seminar examined substantive law, judicial craft, and social context through lectures, small group discussion, and practical exercises.