The Honourable Patrick J. Duncan, Associate Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia, has elected supernumerary (part-time) status after more than 17 years on the Bench.

“Associate Chief Justice Duncan’s expertise and guidance have been instrumental in the effective and efficient operation of the Court, particularly during the pandemic. He gives generously of his time and knowledge to mentor and guide new judges and never hesitates to contribute in any way he can,” said the Honourable Deborah K. Smith, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia. “Associate Chief Justice Duncan has had an exemplary legal and judicial career spanning 45 years. While the Supreme Court is fortunate to keep him on the Bench, his contributions as Associate Chief Justice will be greatly missed. On behalf of his colleagues on the Supreme Court, I thank Associate Chief Justice Duncan for his immense impact on our Court and wish him all the best in the next chapter of his career.”

Associate Chief Justice Duncan earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Francis Xavier University in 1976 and a Bachelor of Laws degree from Dalhousie University in 1979. He was admitted to the Nova Scotia Bar in 1980. He was designated Queen’s Counsel (now King’s Counsel) in 1997.

He began his career with Nova Scotia Legal Aid, eventually moving to private practice in 1986. As a private practice lawyer, he specialized in criminal law, administrative law and civil litigation. He also lectured and presented at numerous conferences in areas related to criminal justice, policing and professional discipline and volunteered with the Public Legal Education Society.

Associate Chief Justice Duncan was appointed to the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia on November 30, 2007. He was appointed Associate Chief Justice on June 23, 2020.

As a judge, he has taught criminal law to newly appointed judges and presented on issues including privacy, evidence, disclosure and criminal jury trials. Associate Chief Justice Duncan serves as a member of the Canadian Judicial Council (CJC), sat on its Executive Committee, was Chair of the CJC’s Public Information Committee and of the organization’s Trial Courts Committee. He is past Chair of the Federal Judicial Advisory Committee, which makes recommendations on new judicial appointments in Nova Scotia.

Associate Chief Justice Duncan is Chair of the Supreme Court’s Rota Committee, Co-chair of the Court’s Bench and Bar Liaison Committee, and a member of the Criminal Law Committee and the Courts’ Records Management Working Group. He also sits on Nova Scotia’s Criminal Justice Transformation Group. He is a past Chair of the Council of Nova Scotia Chiefs (2022-24).

Associate Chief Justice Duncan’s election of supernumerary status, effective June 30, 2025, creates a vacancy on the Supreme Court.