Date: 23Mar 2016
SYNOPSIS:
A Judicial Studies Programme Lecture
Because the judiciary necessarily works behind closed doors, few people understand the realities of being a judge. Retired judge Constance Hunt traces her circuitous career path, from law studies in the turbulent 1970s when female students were rare, to 19 years as a member of the highest court in Alberta, Canada. She discusses her initial impressions of the trial bench and adjusting to life as a judge. She explores the dynamics of appellate judging in the context of a controversial case concerning human rights and sexual orientation, in which her dissenting judgment was upheld by the Supreme Court of Canada. She reflects on what this case taught her about issues such as colleagueship and judicial independence. FULL DETAILS
