Judicial Council of the Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador

Department

Authority

Remuneration

Purpose:

The functions of the judicial council are to:

• consider all applicants for judicial appointment and make a recommendation to the minister with respect to those applicants;
• receive and investigate complaints made to it by a judge relating to that judge's judicial duties and to make recommendations to the minister or the chief judge as it considers appropriate;
• consider and approve or disapprove judicial transfers;
• prepare and revise, in consultation with the judges, a code of ethics for the judges of the court;
• consider proposals for improving the services of the court and report on the matter to the minister; and
• review and report on a matter referred to it by the minister.

Structure:

The Lieutenant Governor in Council shall appoint to the judicial council 4 members as follows: a bencher of the Law Society of Newfoundland who shall be nominated by the benchers of the law society; 2 persons nominated by the minister; and the president of the judges' association. The Chief Judge, by virtue of the office, shall be a member of the Judicial Council and shall be the council's chairperson.

Competency Profile:

Those who make up the Judicial Council should collectively possess the following core competencies:

• Ability to think critically and remain neutral;
• Strong analytical skills; and
• Strong oral and written communications skills.

Qualifications:

• High ethical standards and integrity; and
• A high degree of confidentiality.

Time Commitments:

Meetings are scheduled by the Chair (Chief Judge). Council members may, at times, be required to work long hours for extended periods of time.

Term:

Members shall serve for 3 years during good behaviour; and unless dismissed for lack of good behaviour, shall continue to hold office until he or she is reappointed or a new member is appointed.

Vacancy Profile: