News releases from Justice (Page 58)

Justice Minister Jim Smith today introduced amendments to the Elections Act aimed at providing more opportunities for Nova Scotians to cast their votes.

Justice Minister Jim Smith introduced legislative amendments in the House of Assembly today that will create an improved system of family law in this province.

Justice Minister Jim Smith has put forward legislation that will allow more Nova Scotians to sit as jurors. The Juries Act is designed to provide a fairer approach to jury selection.

The Department of Justice and Local 480 of the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union reached a tentative contract agreement today.

Justice Minister Jim Smith today proposed amendments to the Provincial Court Act. The amendments would establish a tribunal to recommend the appropriate level of salary and benefits for provincial and family court judges.

The provincial government has introduced amendments to the Maintenance Enforcement Act aimed at improving client service and stepping up enforcement powers.

The Departments of Health and Justice are moving ahead with plans to construct new forensic and correctional facilities in the Halifax Regional Municipality.

New technology will soon improve the efficiency of the province's courts and make it easier for Nova Scotians to obtain information.

The preferred site for the construction of a new correctional facility and a new forensic hospital is on 40 hectares (100 acres) between Marsh Lake and the Department of National Defence's rifle range off Highway 102.

Nova Scotians now have guidelines to assist in calculating appropriate levels of child support, Justice Minister Jim Smith announced today.

Communities across the province are being invited to become actively involved in crime prevention. Federal Justice Minister Anne McLellan, Solicitor General Andy Scott and Nova Scotia Justice Minister Jim Smith announced today that $3.5 million will be made available over the next five years to help Nova Scotian communities prevent crime.

Justice Minister Jim Smith today released the terms of reference for the independent review of the Public Prosecution Service (PPS). The review is being conducted by the Honourable Fred Kaufman, C.M., Q.C. and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 1998.

Any strike action by Nova Scotia's correctional officers would be illegal, Justice Minister Jim Smith said today.

Justice Minister and Attorney General Jim Smith announced today that he is allowing the independent Public Prosecution Service to appeal the dismissal of a first-degree murder charge against Dr. Nancy Morrison.

Individuals facing a high risk of relationship violence and victims of stalking will be provided with free cellular telephones to obtain 911 emergency services during times of extreme risk.

NOTE TO EDITORS: This is part of a periodic feature series titled Justice Matters. Produced by the Nova Scotia Department of Justice, it is intended to provide additional background information and offer some insight into issues relating to the justice system.

Justice Minister Alan Mitchell today congratulated Jerry Pitzul, director of the Public Prosecution Service, on his appointment as Judge Advocate General of the Canadian Forces. Mr. Pitzul will continue as director of the prosecution service until April 14, 1998, when he begins his new duties in Ottawa.

Justice Minister Alan Mitchell today announced the appointment of 12 lawyers as Queen's counsel. The appointees are:

NOTE TO EDITORS: This is the first in a series titled Justice Matters. Produced by the Department of Justice, it is intended to provide additional background information and offer some insight into issues relating to the justice system.

Alan T. Tufts, QC, was appointed a provincial court judge today by Justice Minister Alan Mitchell. Mr. Tufts will sit in the Kentville area.