JUSTICIA AWARDS LAUNCHED

OTTAWA, April 13, 2000 - The Canadian Bar Association, the Law Commission of Canada and the Department of Justice today announced the launch of a new award for outstanding reporting of the justice system.

The first Justicia Awards for Excellence in Journalism will be awarded at the annual meeting of the Canadian Bar Association in Halifax in August. Two prize-winners will be selected by an independent panel of judges selected by the three organizations.

The awards will recognize outstanding broadcast and print stories that foster public awareness and understanding of any aspect of the Canadian justice system and the roles played by institutions and participants in the legal system. The criteria for judging entries will be accuracy, effectiveness in explaining legal issues to the public, informational value, insight and originality.

"It is important to recognize that reporting on complex, sensitive and sometimes controversial issues of justice is extremely difficult yet critical in maintaining public confidence in the system," said Roderick Macdonald, President of the Law Commission.

According to Eugene Meehan, President of the Canadian Bar Association, "It is axiomatic that justice must not only be done, but seen to be done. That's why a free press is so critical to our Canadian democracy. That's why it's critical that we encourage and recognize outstanding journalism."

Deputy Minister of Justice Morris Rosenberg said the Department of Justice supports measures that lead to a better, more comprehensive understanding of the justice system by Canadians. "The Justicia Awards acknowledge and celebrate the important role that media plays in helping to achieve this goal, " Rosenberg said.

Entries covering stories that were published or broadcast between January 1, 1999 and May 15, 2000 must be received by June 1, 2000.

Entry forms may be obtained from Stephen Hanson at the Canadian Bar Association,

613-237-2925 (ext. 147) or at stephenh@cba.org.

- 30 -

Ref. :

Stephen Hanson
Senior Director, Canadian Bar Association
(613) 237-2925 or (800) 267-8860, ext. 147