ELDERLY DISABLED WOMAN FILED COMPLAINT WITH JUDICIAL COUNCIL AGAINST JUDGE FOR DESCRIBING HER AS “F-KED”

Montréal, February 8, 2013 --- The Quebec Judicial Council has set up a committee of five judges to enquire into the case of an elderly minority woman with mental health issues who was exposed to disparaging remarks, including the F-word, during her appearance before a Montreal Municipal Court judge in October 2011.

The case raises serious questions about the rights of persons with mental health issues and in disadvantaged social conditions to a fair trail at the city court level.

The woman, who is Greek-Lebanese background, appeared in court to contest two fines which she received in the subway station by the two Laval police officers in 2009. During the hearing, she faced numerous comments on the part of the trial judge who at one point, described her as a being frustrated and “f-kée” during her detention; the judge also said at the end of the hearing, ”the effects of desintitutionalization...Persons...”. The woman has post-traumatic stress but was never institutionalized.

CRARR helped the woman file the complaint to the Judicial Council last month, after the Quebec Court of Appeal, in a ruling in December 2012, expressed its disapproval of the trial judge's comments, which “reflect unfavorable bias toward her.” In the complaint, it is submitted that the judge's conduct violated legal provisions concerning his duties of impartiality, courtesy and diligence.

More information to come.