Chief Justice of Prince Edward Island, Norman H. Carruthers performed an official swearing in ceremony today following the appointment of the Chief Judge of the Provincial Court, His Honour Judge John R.A. Douglas. Attorney General Jeffrey Lantz was also on hand for the official ceremony. This appointment is effective as of August 18, 2000.
Douglas takes over for His Honour Ralph C. Thompson who served as Chief Judge of the Provincial Court for two five-year terms, first in 1985 and again in 1995.
"I feel that it is healthy to rotate the chief judgeship. That is why I first retired the position in 1990 and again this year," says Judge Thompson. "Rotating the position allows for a fresh infusion of new ideas to the chief judgeship."
Chief Judge Douglas was first appointed to the Provincial Court in 1997. Prior to being appointed to the bench, Douglas was a partner with the law firm of Patterson, Palmer, Hunt and Murphy.
"I would like to thank Judge Thompson for his service as Chief Judge of the Provincial Court. Through serving in this position, Judge Thompson played a vital role in the administration of the court system in Prince Edward Island," says Attorney General Lantz. "I am confident Chief Judge Douglas will continue to distinguish the position and strengthen the confidence and commitment in the Provincial Court system."
The Chief Judge serves as the Chief Administrative Officer of the Court and has the power and duty to administer the Provincial Court of Prince Edward Island.