New Judge Appointed to Provincial, Family Courts in Digby, Comeauville and Annapolis Royal

A lawyer with over 20 years experience is the newest judge of Nova Scotia provincial and family courts in Digby, Comeauville, Digby Co. and Annapolis Royal.

Timothy Landry, who has been a staff lawyer with Nova Scotia Legal Aid in Yarmouth since 1994, was appointed by Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Ross Landry, today, Sept.19. The two men are not related.

"Judge Landry has strong experience in both criminal and family law, and will be an excellent addition to the judiciary in Nova Scotia," said Mr. Landry. "He is also a member of the Acadian community, and will be able to serve all Nova Scotians in both French and English."

Judges are appointed to both the provincial and family courts to allow flexibility in dealing with court workloads.

They are selected from a list of candidates put forth by the Committee on Provincial Judicial Appointments. Committee members include two members of the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society, judges of the provincial and family courts and four members appointed by the Minister of Justice. The committee recommendations are based on criteria in the Guidelines for Provincial Judicial Appointments.

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