Review of Complaints Against Federal Judges in Canada
The Canadian Judicial Council was granted power under the Judges Act to investigate complaints made by members of the public or the Attorney General about the conduct (not the decisions) of federally appointed judges. After its review and investigation of a complaint, the Council can make recommendations, including to Parliament through the Minister of Justice that a judge be removed from office.
By directing complaints to the Canadian Judicial Council, Canada's Parliament acknowledges that the public must have a way to voice its concerns about judges. At the same time, the system must allow judges to respond to allegations of misconduct in a fair way. The entire process must be efficient, fair, and objective. In all cases, judicial independence - the foundation of Canadian justice - is central to the process.
Canada is one of the very few countries where a complaint can be made against the Chief Justice in the same way as any other judge. The Chief Justice is not involved in the review of complaints.
Read more about this topic: Canadian Judicial Council
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