Supreme Court of Canada Justice Russell Brown, on furlough since Feb. 1 over alleged misconduct, will face a review panel, the Canadian Judicial Council (CJC) announced Thursday.
This five-member council will be responsible for determining whether the case is serious enough to warrant an investigation that could lead to the judge’s dismissal.
This is an unprecedented situation in the history of the Supreme Court of the country. Judge Brown found himself on compulsory leave following an altercation at a fancy hotel in Arizona, United States, on January 28.
Judge Brown denied that he had a harassing attitude towards veterans of the American army, according to the version of Jon Crump, a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, delivered to the Vancouver Sun on March 10. However, an altercation would have indeed taken place, and the police would have been called to the scene.
“I acknowledge the decision of the Canadian Judicial Council that the process will include a review of the complaint by a five-member panel,” Judge Brown said in a statement Thursday. “Throughout the Council process, my approach has been to respond as quickly as possible,” added the 2015 Supreme Court appointee. my functions at the Court. »
The review board will consist of three members of the Board, a Puisne Judge (without office in a court) and a person who is neither a judge nor a member of the bar of a province.
The decision was made by the Honorable Christopher Hinkson, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of British Columbia and Chair of the CJC’s Judicial Conduct Committee.
“A review committee may be formed to determine whether an investigative committee should be struck, if it concludes that the matter may prove serious enough to warrant removal of the judge,” the CJC pointed out in its statement, citing its bylaws.
The CCM clarified that it will not comment further and will await the decision of the review committee.
