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 four members as follows: a bencher of the Law Society of Newfoundland who shall be nominated by the benchers of the law society; two persons to represent public interest 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;
• analytical and decision-making skills; and
• ability to effectively exchange information. 

Qualifications:

The following are considerations in selecting members:

• ethical standards and integrity; and
• 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 three 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:

The Judicial Council is seeking to fil two positions to represent public interest. Expressions of interest are being sought from individuals who possess the background, experience and skill-set identified above, and who can bring unique persepctives to the table. Consideration will also be given to a variety of demographic factors to ensure the board is representative of the population they serve.