News Release Archive
PUBLIC PROSECUTION SERVICE--PUBLIC PROSECUTION JUSTICE INSTITUTE
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The feasibility of an institute to enhance the administration of
criminal justice in Nova Scotia is the focus of a new study.
The project is a partnership between the Public Prosecution
Service and Dalhousie Law School, with the support of the
Department of Economic Development and Tourism and the Atlantic
Canada Opportunities Agency.
The study will look at the feasibility of a Public Prosecution
Justice Institute (PPJI) for the professional development of
those involved in the prosecution of criminal and quasi-criminal
offences. These include Crown attorneys, police, corrections
officials, justices of the peace and others.
In addition to the primary objective to provide professional
development, the institute would also conduct research into
issues relating to the prosecution of offences and the criminal
justice system. It would also foster discussion on public policy
issues related to these topics.
The potential market for the institute includes other provinces,
the United States, and other common law countries such as
Britain, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.
The study's main objectives will be to determine its economic
benefits to the province, the clientele of the institute, how
much it will cost to operate, sources of funding and the ability
of the PPJI to become financially self-sustaining. A public
tender for the study will be issued shortly.
"This proposal for the PPJI is an exciting opportunity for the
PPS and the legal community in Nova Scotia," said Jerry Pitzul,
director of public prosecutions. "It is with an air of optimism
that we go forward with the feasibility study, feeling confident
that the institute will fill a need for the administration of
justice in this province.
"We in the Public Prosecution Service also recognize the need to
be financially responsible and thus the requirement for this
study to confirm the financial feasibility of the PPJI and the
ability to be self-sustaining."
Said Dawn Russell, dean of the Dalhousie Law School: "The
proposed institute presents a potentially significant opportunity
to enhance the administration of justice within the province. It
will develop the educational, research and policy capacities of
the law school while creating positive economic spinoffs for the
province.
"We at the law school look forward to exploring further the
possibilities which may flow from this important initiative."
Funding for the study will be provided by Economic Development
and Tourism, and by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency,
through the Canada-Nova Scotia Cooperation Agreement on
Industrial Business Development.
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Contact: John Whidden
902-424-2077
trp June 4, 1997 - 9:40 a.m.
