McGill law prof to provide helping hand to Canada's judges

Professor Rosalie Jukier becomes senior adviser to National Judicial Institute

"Lucky judges!" were the words of McGill's Dean of Law, Nicholas Kasirer, in announcing that Rosalie Jukier has become a senior adviser at the National Judicial Institute, the organization that provides expertise and personal growth opportunities for Canada's judges.

Jukier, who is a law professor at McGill University, will be coordinating a series of over 80 programs that keep judges informed of new legal developments and provide them with a deeper understanding of issues related to language and diversity.

The work of a judge is demanding, complex and often solitary. It can become a constant challenge to manage large caseloads, and to keep abreast of contemporary issues such as biotechnology and environmental policy. The Institute plays a vital role in ensuring that judges have the skills to ensure Canada's court system remains among the most respected in the world.

"I'm joining a really great organization that's doing wonderful things," says Jukier, who is joining the Institute as a senior adviser. "Being from Quebec, I'm sensitive to the importance of bilingualism and a bi-jural perspective, and I hope to increase the exposure of these concepts."

"Rosalie Jukier has a tremendous background as a long-time teacher, academic and education leader," says George M. Thomson, who is executive director of the Institute. "She will be a leader in the development of curriculum in new areas for judges, and will help especially in building a curriculum for judges in Quebec."

A top private lawyer and scholar versed in both of Canada's legal systems, Jukier is well placed to oversee a curriculum for the very small and critical audience represented by this country's judges. Examples of courses the Institute will provide in the coming year include one on managing scientific education in the courtroom, and another for newly appointed justices to the Federal Court.

Jukier will be finishing her two-year term at the Institute in 2007, after which she will be returning on a full-time basis to McGill.