If you feel that a judge has acted improperly, you can make a complaint. You can make a complaint without a lawyer.
A complaint must be about a judge’s conduct. You cannot make a complaint because you think the judge made the wrong decision in your case. If you think the judge made the wrong decision you may, however, have grounds to appeal the decision. You should talk to a lawyer if you are thinking about an appeal.
Judges are held to a high standard of conduct and are required to:
If you have a complaint about a judge of the Court of King’s Bench, the Court of Appeal or any federal court, you can make a complaint in writing to the Canadian Judicial Council. If you prefer, you can also use their online complaint form.
If you have a complaint about a Provincial Court judge you can make a complaint in writing to the Saskatchewan Judicial Council.
Complaints should include your name and address, the name of the judge, the court location and a detailed description of what the judge did. Anonymous complaints will only be considered in rare cases.
The Council will look into the complaint. It might review what was said in court, talk to the judge and may contact you for more information. In very serious cases a judge can be removed from office. The Council will let you know the outcome of your complaint.
The Regina Public Library and Saskatoon Public Library are hosting free Law Fair events during Saskatchewan Access to Justice Week to connect people with free legal information, assistance, and support. Attend to acquire legal knowledge and to broaden awareness of legal rights and responsibilities!