Attorney General Announces Judicial Appointments

Attorney General and Justice Minister Ross Landry has announced the appointment of two new associate chief judges to the family and provincial courts today, April 27.

Judge James Wilson was appointed Associate Chief Judge of the Family Court and Judge Pamela Williams was appointed Associate Chief Judge of the Provincial Court.

"I am pleased Judge Wilson and Judge Williams have agreed to take on these new responsibilities," said Mr. Landry. "With such extensive experience in our court system, they will continue to serve Nova Scotians, and our justice system, well."

Judge Wilson was called to the Bar in 1972 and appointed a Judge of the Family Court in 1988 and Provincial Court in 1989.

Judge Williams was called to the Bar in 1985 and appointed a Judge of the Provincial and Family court in 2003.

Judge Wilson and Judge Williams were selected from a list of candidates put forth by the Family and Provincial Court recruitment committee.

The committee is chaired by the Chief Justice of Nova Scotia, and consists of the Chief Judge of the Family and Provincial Court, a person without a law degree designated by the minister from among past or present members of the Advisory Committee on Provincial Judicial Appointments, and the president of the Provincial Judges' Association. The committee recommendations are based on established qualification criteria.

The provincial court has jurisdiction over summary offences under provincial statutes and federal acts and regulations.

The family court provides a forum to hear family issues, including maintenance, custody and access, and child protection matters.

For more information on Nova Scotia courts, go to www.courts.ns.ca .