Civility in the Criminal Bar: A Cautionary Tale
On June 22, 2011, the British Columbia Branch of the Canadian Bar Association held a Professional Development Seminar in partnership with the Criminal Justice-Vancouver Section. The seminar took place at the Law Courts Inn, with some lively conversations prior to dinner. After dinner, Criminal Justice-Vancouver Section Chair Eric Gottardi introduced the guest speaker, The Honourable Mr. Justice David Watt of the Ontario Court of Appeal. Mr. Justice Watt spoke on the importance of upholding Civility in the Criminal Bar and shared his own career and personal experiences.
This event was open to members of the Criminal Justice-Vancouver Section and non-members alike, generating a diverse crowd of close to 100 attendees of various backgrounds and interests. Special guests included: The Honourable Chief Justice Lance Finch; The Honourable Madam Justice Miriam Maisonville, past CBABC President; The Honourable Mr. Justice Peter Leask; Mr. Wallace Oppal, QC, Former Attorney General; The Honourable Madam Justice Anne Mackenzie; The Honourable Madame Justice Elizabeth Bennett; and The Honourable Mr. Justice William Smart.