News release

Law School Dean to Conduct Review

Justice

Dawn Russell, dean of Dalhousie Law School, has agreed to review the province's response to incidents of spousal/partner violence. A recent Justice Department review of the February deaths of Lori Lee Maxwell and Bruce Allen George of Truro recommended that an independent assessor review the Framework for Action Against Family Violence. Ms. Russell will conduct the review with the assistance of Diana Ginn, an assistant professor at Dalhousie Law School.

The review is designed to ensure the relevance and effectiveness of the framework for all components of the justice system. It will include a comparative review of initiatives in other jurisdictions and a literature review and will assess whether the framework prescribes appropriate systems to meet the needs of victims of spousal or partner violence. It is also expected to provide recommendations for improving the response of the justice system to victims of domestic violence.

Ms. Russell has been dean of Dalhousie Law School since 1995. Before that, she practised with the Halifax law firm of Stewart, McKelvey, Stirling, Scales. Ms. Russell received her Bachelor of Arts from St. Thomas University and graduated from Dalhousie Law School in 1981. She has served as President of the Nova Scotia Law Reform Commission and the Canadian Council of Law Deans.

Ms. Ginn has been an assistant professor at Dalhousie Law School since 1992. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Mount Allison University, her Bachelor of Law from Queen's and her Masters of Law from Osgoode Hall in 1986. Ms. Ginn has specialized in women's issues, particularly related to violence against women.

"It's important to look at our approach to family violence from a broader perspective," said Justice Minister Michael Baker. "I am grateful that such highly qualified and well-respected individuals have agreed to take on this important task."

The review is expected to be complete by May 31, 2001. The Framework for Action Against Family Violence was an multi- disciplinary approach to improve the response of the justice system to victims of family violence.