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Shortage of prosecutors: towards abandoning prosecutions
Crown prosecutors fear the worst in the face of the crisis which is slowing down the functioning of the criminal justice system in New Brunswick. Calls for help have been made for two weeks. Me Yves Duguay, Vice-President of the New Brunswick Association of Crown Prosecutors and prosecutor in Bathurst, admits that the situation has been worrying for a while.
[ ...More ]Publication date : 2024-03-27
B.C. prosecutors’ association raises security concerns about Vancouver courthouse following assault
The association that represents B.C.’s roughly 450 Crown prosecutors is raising safety concerns around an East Vancouver courthouse after a member was allegedly assaulted outside last week. "We’re reeling, this has really shaken us to the core to have one of our own attacked right here,” said BCCCA president Adam Dalrymple.
[ ...More ]Publication date : 2024-02-05
Increased number of homicides doesn’t bode well for overworked N.L. prosecutors, association says
There are 17 homicide cases before the courts in Newfoundland and Labrador, and the head of the association that represents local prosecutors says the higher-than-normal caseload will be difficult to handle.
[ ...More ]Publication date : 2023-09-07
Manitoba adds 25 Crown attorneys to prosecution service amid workload issues
The Manitoba government hopes to add about two dozen more prosecutors and assistants to the prosecution service, which attorneys say has been struggling to keep up amid workload and workforce issues. Manitoba Association of Crown Attorneys says province left group out of discussions.
[ ...More ]Publication date : 2023-06-26
Les Leyne: Premier David Eby takes on lawyers — again
The B.C. NDP government has introduced a one-page bill that bestows the right to join a union on the 350 lawyers who work for government. There’s a catch. It herds them into a union the government prefers, the Professional Employees Association, rather than allowing them to form their own.
[ ...More ]Publication date : 2023-05-06
‘Unfair labour practice’: B.C. government accused of blocking union bid by its own lawyers
Lawyers for the B.C. government say the province has ended negotiations with them ahead of legislation they claim aims to block their right to form their own union.
[ ...More ]Publication date : 2023-05-04
CACC “Outstanding Achievement” (Dennis Theman) Award
The Canadian Association of Crown Counsel is the national Association which represents the collective interests of Crown prosecutors and Crown lawyers. It contributes to helping governments and the public understand issues involving Crown prosecutors in the criminal justice system and Crown civil lawyers in the civil justice system. It addresses issues of Crown lawyers concerning conditions of employment and working conditions and promotes and encourages the professional development of Crown Counsel. Members include representatives of Associations representing criminal and civil Crown lawyers from the ten provinces and from the Federal government.
Background to the Award
This national award was established in 2004 to recognize, honour and celebrate the work of devoted Crown Prosecutors and Crown Lawyers who have shown outstanding dedication to their role as Crown Prosecutor or Crown Counsel and who have shown exceptional support for and have promoted and defended the interests of the Crown and the interests of Crown Counsel.
The CACC Outstanding Award was first presented to and is named for Dennis Theman, in recognition of his perseverance in assisting the Crown employer and the public understand the issues that involve Crown prosecutors in the criminal justice system. It is also in recognition of Dennis Theman’s remarkable dedication to improving the conditions of employment and working conditions for Crown Prosecutors and his promotion and encouragement of their professional development. It also is in recognition of a man who was also an excellent and dedicated Crown Prosecutor.
From his call to the Bar in 1978, Dennis Theman exhibited a passion for issues of social justice and the practice of criminal law. He began his employment as a Crown Prosecutor in Nova Scotia in 1990. He was responsible for training many Crown prosecutors and was a respected role model. He never hesitated to assist other Crown Prosecutors in preparing their cases for trial while at the same time remaining fully prepared and dedicated in each of the matters he was assigned to prosecute. He was also devoted to ensuring the independence of the role of Crown Prosecutor. Dennis Theman served as President of the Nova Scotia Crown Attorney’s Association. During that time, and under his leadership, the Nova Scotia Crown Attorney’s …Eligibility This Award is open to a Crown Counsel, who is a:ideally a member or former member of an Association of the CACC,
Criteria
This Award was created to recognize exceptional contribution and achievements by a criminal or civil Crown Counsel including:
a) outstanding mentorship;
b) outstanding contribution to the organization of Crown lawyers;
c) outstanding perseverance and dedication shown in the role of Crown Counsel;
d) exemplary leadership; and
e) outstanding commitment and service to the members of his or her Association.
This Award is available only to individuals, not Associations and may be presented posthumously. The CACC Executive and/or Nomination Committee Members are not eligible for the Award.
Nomination Procedure
The nominator for the Award must be a member of a CACC. Nominators must provide a brief statement outlining their reasons for nominating the candidate, including any press clippings and any other relevant information to the President of the CACC, or his or her delegate, by the date established for the deadline of nominations. The nomination must indicate that the candidate has been advised of the nomination prior to the deadline and that the candidate has consented (unless the person is deceased).
Selection Process
On the years in which the Award will be open for nominations, the President of the CACC, is to appoint a Nominations Committee to solicit nominations, recommend candidates to the Executive, and administer the Award and to arrange for the Award ceremony. The composition of the Nomination Committee is at the discretion of the President but should consist of a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of five (5) members. It should include at least one representative of a Criminal and a Civil Association. It may include the Previous President of the CACC, members of the Executive, the previous award winner and/or Dennis Theman.
The recipient of the Award shall be chosen from the candidates by a majority vote. More than one person may be awarded the Award in a given year. The Committee may also decide not to present the Award in any given year.
Presentation
The Award will be presented at a program or other function as is determined by the President.
Award
The Award will consist of a special plaque to be given to the recipient of the Award.
Deadline for Applications
Nominations and supporting material must be filed with the President of the CACC by a deadline specified each year. The deadline may be extended in circumstances that the President determines appropriate.
