WHAT WAS YOUR PATH INTO LAW AND ONTO THE BENCH?

My path into law was motivated by feminism. Simply put, I was a child of the sixties and a young woman during the seventies, and I saw many things around me which were, in my view, wrong and discriminatory, particularly with respect to opportunities for and the treatment of women. I marched and lobbied for changes to matrimonial property law, a woman’s right to control her own body, and the removal of marriage as a defence to the criminal charge of rape. Believe it or not, an incident which served as a catalyst for me studying law concerned a female priest whose hand was bitten by a communicant irate at having been served holy communion by a woman.

After I finished my undergraduate degree, I worked and travelled for a couple of years and then went to law school. I believed that a law degree would help me advocate for improvements in the lots of women and others of poor fortune in our society.

With respect to my path to the Bench, I really cannot say. I did not aspire to be a judge until I was encouraged to apply a couple of years before my appointment. What I think may have been factors in my favour are my straightforward approach to matters, my work ethic, and my varied legal experience.

WHAT EXPERIENCE IN YOUR LEGAL CAREER BEST PREPARED YOU FOR WORK ON THE BENCH?

My career as a lawyer spanned 25 years, during which I practiced criminal law, professional regulatory law, and civil litigation. I was also the Commissioner of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Public Complaints Commission. Each of these areas of law provided me with specialized legal experience, which helped to prepare me for the diverse work on a small Bench like we have in Newfoundland and Labrador. That said, I often say that managing people as a partner in a law firm was the hardest work I ever did, and perhaps it was the best preparation for the Bench. Managing other people gives you insight into human nature and an understanding of and respect for differences of opinion and diversity, which are essential qualities for sitting in judgment of others.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR COUNSEL WHO APPEAR BEFORE YOU?

I have three pieces of advice.

1. Integrity—it is your bond. Be honest with the facts and the law, straightforward in your approach, and respectful of your opponents, everyone else involved in your matter, and the Bench.
2. Preparation. Know your case inside and out.
3. Courage. Be courageous. It is courageous lawyers and their arguments who push the law forward in order to keep pace with modern society and keep check on the erosion of rights and democratic values.

WHAT DO YOU WISH THE PUBLIC KNEW ABOUT THE JUSTICE SYSTEM?

The justice system is complicated and informed by many principles, both individual and collective, intended to provide a safe, prosperous, and fair society in which all people are treated equally. I would like the public to appreciate that often there are broader issues at play than those affecting the individuals involved in a particular case.