UNB Law

Law Students’ Society President attends Q&A with Supreme Court Justice Malcolm Rowe

On Oct. 25 Law Students’ Society President, Veronica Medon, attended a moderated question and answer session with Supreme Court Justice (then nominee) Malcolm Rowe at the University of Ottawa.

As part of their pursuit for greater openness and transparency, the Office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada asked Canadian law school deans to send students to the question and answer session. The session provided an opportunity for Members of Parliament, senators and the public to address Rowe on a variety of topics including his fluency in French, diversity on the court, indigenous issues and his upbringing and background as an Atlantic Canadian.

Veronica sat in the front front row with about 45 other law students. She reported that the purpose of the session was to get to know Rowe as a human being and to see how he would approach his new position on a personal level.

Some of Rowe’s answers in particular stood out to Veronica.

When Rowe was asked what he believed to be the duty of a Supreme Court Justice, Rowe responded, “To do right according to the law.” This concise, straightforward response was common from Rowe, and Veronica believes this will be a feature that is welcomed by law students as they read his decisions. Rowe even stated, “What’s the use of a definitive statement from the Supreme Court of Canada if you can’t figure out what it says?”

As Law Students’ Society President, Veronica was the perfect candidate to represent UNB Law at this unique opportunity. Veronica believes her classmates, many of whom are from Newfoundland, were pleased to have a UNB Law representative there to witness the session. She also feels that there is a real sense of pride and interest in Rowe’s nomination and appointment among the UNB Law community.

Justice Rowe, the first Supreme Court of Canada justice from Newfoundland and Labrador, was appointed by Prime Minister Trudeau on Friday, Oct. 28. This was the first appointment by the Government of Canada under its new Supreme Court selection process, which was established to promote greater openness, transparency and accountability.

Thank you Veronica for representing UNB Law in Ottawa and sharing your experience with us!