News Release Archive

JUSTICE--JUDGES APPOINTED
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Justice Minister Bill Gillis today announced the appointments of
two Provincial Court Judges. Claudine MacDonald of Sydney and
Castor Williams of Dartmouth will sit as Provincial Court Judges
in and Kentville and Halifax respectively. They will be sworn in
by Chief Judge Elmer MacDonald in the near future.   

Ms. MacDonald received her BA in Political Science from Dalhousie
University where she also received her law degree in 1980. Ms.
MacDonald has spent time as a crown attorney in Newfoundland, and
more recently as a crown attorney in Sydney. She has also worked
with the Elizabeth Fry (Unison) Society and is a former board
member of the Island Alternative Measures Society, an
organization designed to provide specialized service to youth in
conflict with the law. Ms. MacDonald has also served as a
representative on the Inter-agency Committee on Family Violence. 

Mr. Williams obtained his BA in Political Science and Economics 
from  Dalhousie University, where he also received his law degree
in 1976. Mr. Williams has worked with the Government of Antigua
and Barbuda Civil Service. He served as a non-commissioned
officer in the West India Regiment, has worked with the Bank of 
Scotland, and served as manager with the Seaview Credit Union,
where he was involved in community development in the metro area.

After practising independently, Mr. Williams became a crown
attorney in 1992. He has been active in the community, and is a
founding member of the Joint Consultative Committee (JCC), which
brings together major black organizations with a view to
community economic development. He is the chairperson of the
Black Learners' Advisory Committee, and is president of the Black
Lawyers Association of Nova Scotia. 

Mr. Gillis noted the calibre of the candidates, and said: "I am
sure they will serve in a fair and objective manner, and will act
with integrity in the discharge of their judicial
responsibilities."  

"I am extremely pleased with these appointments," said Chief
Judge Elmer MacDonald. "Their qualifications are excellent, and I
know they will continue to make an important contribution to the
legal community in Nova Scotia."  

The candidates are recommended by the advisory committee on
provincial judicial appointments. The committee consists of two
members appointed by the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society, the
Chief Judges of the Provincial and Family Court and four lay
persons appointed by the Minister of Justice. The committee
reviews the applicants on a broad range of criteria, which
includes an evaluation of the candidates qualifications,
intellectual and judgemental ability, professional excellence and
community awareness and understanding.
       
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Contact: Michele McKinnon 902-424-6811

mfm       Feb. 20, 1996, 11 a.m.