Newfoundland and Labrador: “Duty counsel play an important role in making the justice system work”

Statement from Chief Judge Pamela Goulding, Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador, on Duty Counsel Day

I would like to take this opportunity to encourage each and every one of you to join with me in appreciating the work done every day in our justice system by duty counsel.

Duty counsel across this country enable those citizens who are engaged in the court process access to valuable information about our justice system at the most critical times for them and their loved ones by providing advice and information, explaining a person’s rights and what they have to do, telling people who the court process works, helping with document preparation, and in some cases, providing legal representation in court proceedings.

Duty counsel play an important role in making the justice system work for thousands of Canadians every day.

The work of duty counsel is indispensable to an efficient and effective justice system.