Temitope Oriola: Smith's remarks on 'directing' judges deeply troubling The triumvirate at the zenith of Alberta’s court system took an extraordinary step in a statement released on Tuesday, Jan. 27. Acting Chief Justice of Alberta Dawn Pentelechuk, Chief Justice Kent Davidson of the Court of King’s Bench and Chief Justice of the Alberta Court of Justice James Hunter, wrote : |
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The triumvirate at the zenith of Alberta’s court system took an extraordinary step in a statement released on Tuesday, Jan. 27. Acting Chief Justice of Alberta Dawn Pentelechuk, Chief Justice Kent Davidson of the Court of King’s Bench and Chief Justice of the Alberta Court of Justice James Hunter, wrote:
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“A properly functioning democracy requires three separate branches of government that exercise their power and authority independently according to the Constitution … . The independence of each branch ensures there are checks and balances across the system.
It is the foundation of a healthy democracy … . It is equally important that each branch respect and support the independence of the others. Independence of the judicial branch protects the public … . It ensures judges can make decisions based solely on the law and evidence presented. It frees judges from pressure or influence from external sources including the governments that appoint us.”
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