Summary of Meetings: Criminal Justice – Victoria
Number of Meetings Held:6
September 21, 2022
Registration Count: In-person: 11
Guest Speakers: Sgt. Mike Darling, Sue Robinson, and Clare Jennings
Meeting Title/Topic: Regional Domestic Violence Police Program
Synopsis: Speakers from the RVDU police force and probation explained their roles.
October 19, 2022
Registration Count: 11
Guest Speakers: Robert Claus, KC and Dale Marshall
Meeting Title/Topic: The Changing Game: Trends in Advocacy, Ethics, and Practice Management
Synopsis: Robert Claus, KC, and Dale Marshall discussed changing trends in criminal practice. They shared observations made over the course of their careers, with a particular focus on what counsel should know in approaching advocacy, ethics issues, and practice management challenges.
December 8, 2022
Registration Count: In-person: 7
Guest Speakers: The Honourable Robert T.C. Johnston, KC, Peter Firestone, and Paul Pearson
Meeting Title/Topic: Ethics: How to Avoid Complaints to the Law Society
Synopsis: The Hon. Robert T.C. Johnston, KC, Peter Firestone, and Paul Pearson discussed how to avoid complaints to the Law Society and what to do when one is made.
March 8, 2023
Registration Count: In-person: 6
Guest Speakers: Conor Rosen, Shane Briggs, and Natalie Boulianne
Meeting Title/Topic: Community Resources in Victoria
Synopsis: Topics discussed were the roles involved in helping marginalized individuals attend Court appearances, utilize legal aid services, find support in their community, and programs offered by probation.
April 5, 2023
Registration Count: 32
Guest Speakers: Anisa White and Geelah Roches
Meeting Title/Topic: Gladue Reports and Resources for Aboriginal Clients
Synopsis: Anisa White discussed what services the BCFNJC offers, including details on the Galude Report process. Geelah Roches share what services they offer at the Native Courtworker and Counselling Association of British Columbia.
April 5, 2023
Registration Count: 20
Guest Speakers: Paul Cheeseman, Diana Cramer, Kyle Grant, and Nicole Robson
Meeting Title/Topic: Repeat Violent Offending Intervention Initiative (ReVOII) – A Component of the Safer Communities Action Plan
Synopsis: This meeting provided awareness regarding a new and important provincial government initiative to address the issue of repeat, violent crime in our communities. This was a joint meeting with Criminal Justice – Nanaimo.