Statement on Oshawa courthouse incident

The Law Society of BC is deeply concerned by reports that a Black lawyer was allegedly assaulted by police while working in a courthouse in Oshawa, Ontario. All lawyers must be able to represent their clients, attend court facilities and perform their duties safely, with respect, dignity and equity.

Courthouses play a vital role in society and all justice system participants, including members of the public, lawyers, witnesses, complainants, victims, jurors and judges, must feel safe and be free of any risk of intimidation as they carry out their roles in the administration of justice. This is essential to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the legal system is accessible to all. There is no place for violence, discrimination or racism in a courthouse.

In recent years, there have been a number of reports of violence against lawyers. The safety of lawyers and of all legal professionals, both inside and outside of court, must be taken very seriously. The Law Society of BC urges authorities to address all allegations of violence against lawyers to ensure courthouse safety and to uphold public confidence in the justice system.