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Kelvin Parsons, Opposition Justice Critic and MHA for the District of
Burgeo-Lapoile, says he is disappointed that the premier is not following
the code of conduct established by the Law Society of Newfoundland and
Labrador. Several sections of the Code of Conduct that governs the Law
Society of Newfoundland and Labrador and lawyers in the province outline the
proper procedures and behaviour that lawyers should follow when dealing with
the justice system and judgements. Chapter 13(4) states the following:
"Firstly, the lawyer should avoid criticism that is petty, intemperate or
unsupported by a bona fide belief in its real merit, bearing in mind
that in the eyes of the public, professional knowledge lends weight to the
lawyer's judgements or criticism. Secondly, if the lawyer has been involved
in the proceedings, there is the risk that any criticism may be, or may
appear to be, partisan rather than objective. Thirdly, where a tribunal is
the object of unjust criticism, the lawyer, as a participant in the
administration of justice, is uniquely able to and should support the
tribunal, both because its members cannot defend themselves and because the
lawyer is thereby contributing to greater public understanding of and
therefore respect for the legal system." Chapter 10 also states: "The lawyer
who holds public office should, in the discharge of official duties, adhere
to standards of conduct as high as those that these rules require of a
lawyer engaged in the practice of law."
"The premier has referenced the fact that he is a lawyer hundreds of
times when dealing with issues as premier," said Mr. Parsons. "It is
unfortunate that he is unwilling to follow the code of conduct that governs
lawyers in this province when it doesn’t suit his purposes. A lawyer is
supposed to show respect for the justice system and the courts regardless of
whether he or she is in public office.
"It is obvious that the premier crossed the line in his criticism of
Justice Halley. I can understand that he may have been upset with the
judgement, however, respect must be shown for our justice system and he must
temper his comments. As premier, he holds an office that provides a unique
position to have his viewpoint heard by the people of this province. His
comments last week regarding Judge Halley certainly did little to show
respect for our legal system and its officers, and I would once again ask
Premier Williams to rethink this approach and apologize to Justice Halley
for his inappropriate remarks."
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