Share this Story : National Post Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr

Peter MacKinnon: Judges have become political actors, despite what Chief Justice Wagner thinks

If he doesn't want them to be criticized, he should depoliticize the bench

You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.

When Roy Romanow was premier of Saskatchewan, he had a saying that can be paraphrased: when observers or commentators offer political statements or opinions, they are in my bailiwick and I shall be free to respond as I see fit.

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.

Unlimited online access to National Post.

National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.

Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

Support local journalism.

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.

Unlimited online access to National Post.

National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.

Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

Support local journalism.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account.

Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.

Enjoy additional articles per month.

Get email updates from your favourite authors.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account

Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments

Enjoy additional articles per month

Get email updates from your favourite authors

Sign In or Create an Account

Romanow’s dictum came to mind in reading Supreme Court Chief Justice Richard Wagner’s warning against “attacks” on the judicial system and portraying judges as “political actors” or “obstacles to the will of the people.”

Peter MacKinnon: Judges have become political actors, despite what Chief Justice Wagner thinks Back to video

When I was a law student more than five decades ago, there were protocols and linguistic conventions that shaped how we referred to judges and other colleagues. Opponents were worthy, judges were learned and there was fealty to the idea that courts were non-political arbiters........

© National Post