News release

New Associate Chief Judge of Provincial Court Appointed

Justice

A judge of 15 years is the newest associate chief judge of the Nova Scotia provincial court.

The appointment of Judge Alan Tufts was announced today, June 26, by Attorney General and Minister of Justice Ross Landry.

"Judge Tufts brings extensive judicial experience to this key role," said Mr. Landry. "This position helps keep the court system running and I know Judge Tufts will be an asset. I wish him all the best."

Judge Tufts was appointed a judge of the provincial court in 1998. He was called to the Nova Scotia Bar in 1979.

The provincial court presides over almost all indictable offence charges under the Criminal Code, a charge of murder by an adult accused is the main exception, and has exclusive jurisdiction over all summary offence charges under provincial and federal statutes and regulations.

Sitting judges were invited to apply for the associate chief justice position. A committee chaired by the chief justice of Nova Scotia considers applicants and recommends appropriate candidates. The other committee members are the chief judge of the provincial and family courts, president of the Provincial Judges' Association and a lay person designated by the Minister of Justice.

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