An independent committee appointed to investigate a complaint against Provincial Court Judge Alanna Murphy has completed its review and dismissed the complaint.

The report was delivered to The Hon. Michael Wood, Chief Justice of Nova Scotia, in his role as Chair of Judicial Council. A copy of the report is available on the Courts of Nova Scotia website here.

Under the Provincial Court Act, the Chief Judge of the Provincial and Family Court is responsible for the initial review of complaints against provincially appointed judges. The Chief Judge has the power to dismiss a complaint, attempt to resolve the complaint, or refer the complaint with a recommendation to the Chief Justice.

If the Chief Justice agrees a complaint should be investigated by an independent review committee, the Act states that committee must consist of three members of the Judicial Council, specifically a Judge of the Provincial Court, a public representative, and a practicing lawyer. Accordingly, the following three people were appointed to conduct this review: 1) Provincial Court Judge Warren K. Zimmer, appointed by the Nova Scotia Provincial Judges’ Association; 2) David Merrigan, appointed by the former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mark Furey; and 3) Darlene M. Lamey, appointed by the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society.

Chief Justice Wood thanks the review committee members for their dedication and diligence throughout this process.