Justice of the peace fired over newspaper column

“The misconduct was very serious,” the Ontario Superior Court ruled in dismissing a claim of free speech.

“This case is about the public’s confidence in the applicant as an impartial judicial officer. It is fact-specific. It is not necessary or desirable to reframe the issue in the abstract as a ‘constitutionally protected value.’”

Justice of the Peace Julie Lauzon, of Ottawa, in 2016 published a commentary in the National Post criticizing prosecutors for “unacceptable tactics” and “lack of respect” at bail hearings.

Lauzon wrote she “had a prosecutor scream at me and basically throw a temper tantrum.”

“I can no longer call it a court of law,” wrote Lauzon.

“It is a disgrace. Unfortunately, my court and many others throughout the country have devolved into dysfunctional and punitive bodies which are devoid of the rule of law.”

Lauzon’s commentary headlined “When Bail Courts Don’t Follow The Law” was reprinted and cited in the Ottawa Citizen, Toronto Star, Windsor Star, Sudbury Star and Kingston Whig-Standard.

The article prompted three formal complaints on the same day by the federal director of Public Prosecutions, Ontario’s assistant deputy attorney general and Ontario Crown Attorneys’ Association.

“The applicant did not back away from the article,” wrote the Superior Court.

“She defended it as accurate and truthful.”

The Justices of the Peace Review Council on May 7, 2020 ordered Lauzon removed from office.

Writing the article “fell below the dignity expected of a judicial officer” and “demonstrated an enduring animosity for and lack of impartiality towards Crown counsel,” it said.

Lauzon asked to remain a justice of the peace with a reprimand and 30-day suspension without pay but the court dismissed her appeal.

“The applicant sent the article to a national newspaper,” wrote the court.

“She identified herself as a justice of the peace and she commented on her experience in the courtroom, using her office to add weight to the opinions she expressed.”

Her lawyers argued unsuccessfully she “cannot be penalized unless fettering her freedom of expression can be justified.”

The Court ordered Lauzon to pay $15,000 in costs.

Lauzon, a former counsel at federal Tax Court, was a provincial Liberal appointee. She served 10 years as justice of the peace.