Sask. lawyers respond to ‘unfair’ Stanley verdict comments

The Saskatchewan Trial Lawyers Association (STLA) has issued a statement in response to what it calls the “unfair and unwarranted” comments members of the judiciary are receiving after the Gerald Stanley murder trial’s not-guilty verdict.

“Members of the judiciary in Canada are not permitted to publically defend themselves, their decisions, or their rulings,” said STLA President Nicholas Stooshinoff.

“By all accounts, the trial judge in the Stanley trial conducted himself with the utmost integrity, fairness, and in accordance with all applicable judicial standards and principles. If the trial judge erred in any of his rulings of law it is for the Court of Appeal to determine.”

The statement goes on to read that the “Crown counsel fulfilled his duty to the court, the administration of justice, and to all parties involved.”

In regards to the jurors in this case, the STLA noted they “came up with the verdict to the best of their ability” and “it is unfair to suggest otherwise because the jury is also powerless to defend itself, as it is a criminal offence in Canada for a juror to release any information about their deliberations.”

The STLA statement closes by saying it “urges all citizens to refrain from unfair accusations about the participants in the trial and to recognize that all did their best in fulfilling their oath and duty to society.”

Read the full statement:

STLA Stanley trial statement