Judicial Panel Concludes New Brunswick Judge Engaged in ‘Questionable’ Conduct
The panel ordered a written apology within 60 days after finding Justice Frederick Ferguson discussed privileged information and tried to influence a recusal motion.
- The Canadian Judicial Council ordered Justice Frederick Ferguson to issue a written apology within 60 days after ruling he used his authority inappropriately during a private conversation in Miramichi, N.B.
- During the unauthorized exchange, Ferguson discussed a previous complaint and suggested the young lawyer lacked time to incorporate a recording into motion materials due that day, leaving her feeling intimidated.
- Ferguson admitted the interaction was "plainly wrong" and an inappropriate use of authority. The panel dismissed other allegations of abuse and sexism, concluding he is "highly unlikely to engage in such behaviour in the future."
- Lawyer Nathan Gorham, the complainant, declined to comment on the substance of the decision, citing an ongoing application before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.
- Gorham argued the current CJC process "violates fundamental democratic principles" by permitting dismissals without investigation or complainant response. The council established the review panel on March 26 of this year.
27 Articles
27 Articles
Judicial panel concludes New Brunswick judge engaged in 'questionable' conduct
FREDERICTON — A national judicial review body has ruled a New Brunswick judge used his authority inappropriately during an interaction with a junior lawyer — but also found there was no reasonable basis to remove the justice.
The Toronto Star
Judicial panel concludes New Brunswick judge engaged in ‘questionable’ conduct
FREDERICTON - A national judicial review body has ruled a New Brunswick judge used his authority inappropriately during an interaction with a junior lawyer — but also found there was
Winnipeg Free Press
City NewsN.B. judge used authority inappropriately, engaged in 'questionable' conduct: panel
FREDERICTON - A national judicial review body has ruled a New Brunswick judge used his authority inappropriately during an interaction with a junior lawyer.
Judicial panel concludes New Brunswick judge engaged in ‘questionable’ conduct – 105.9 The Region
FREDERICTON — A national judicial review body has ruled a New Brunswick judge used his authority inappropriately during an interaction with a junior lawyer — but also found there was no reasonable basis to remove the justice. The Canadian Judicial Council review panel says Court of King’s Bench Justice Frederick Ferguson discussed privileged information with the lawyer and made comments intended to influence an upcoming recusal motion. The revie…
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