Canadian Lawyer

REGIONAL WRAP-UP Sean Dunnigan: Calgary's talking judge WEST A He talks in public. For a lot of what Dunnigan calls lberta Provincial Court Judge Sean Dunnigan does some- thing very unusual for a judge. "sensible" reasons, most judges prefer "the old English tradition that judges should only be heard through their judgments." But he says "our society has changed dramatically over the past 50 years" and people have more and quicker access to what is happening in court and thus the courts are placed under greater scrutiny. As a conse- quence, Dunnigan argues courts have to use the media to make their decisions better understood. every second week, Dunnigan goes on CBC Calgary's afternoon Homestretch show to talk about the sometimes contro- versial legal issues of the day. In the two years he has been an on-air regular, he has taken on a long list of hot potatoes. Issues such as absolute discharges, guilty pleas, Alberta' Which is part of the reason why almost and house arrest for convicted criminals have got an airing. But Dunnigan emphasies he is not s tough new drunk driving laws, peddling his personal ideas about the law. "I'm a judge. I'm not entitled to have a public opinion." Instead he tries to give an insider' pening. For example "what goes through s explanation of what is hap- Alberta Judge Sean Dunnigan on talk radio. GAIN A DEEP UNDERSTANDING OF EMPLOYMENT LAW AND THE DISMISSAL PROCESS NEW EDITION WRONGFUL DISMISSAL HANDBOOK, 6TH EDITION THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE JOHN R. SPROAT, LL.B., LL.M., OF THE ONTARIO SUPERIOR COURT Wrongful Dismissal Handbook, 6th Edition offers practical information, author commentary and updated legislation that will help you dismiss employees in the most cost-effective way possible – while protecting the best interest of your organization. ORDER # 985188-65203 $137 Softcover approx. 1500 pages August 2012 EMPLOYMENT LAW MANUAL: WRONGFUL DISMISSAL, HUMAN RIGHTS AND EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE JOHN R. SPROAT, LL.B., LL.M., OF THE ONTARIO SUPERIOR COURT Employment Law Manual: Wrongful Dismissal, Human Rights and Employment Standards is an uncomplicated look at Ontario employment law. Featuring a comprehensive treatment of wrongful dismissal; a section offering advice on hiring and dismissal; a collection of helpful precedents and more, this resource is perfect for lawyers and HR professionals alike. ORDER # 934041-65203 $436 Looseleaf supplemented $272 per supplement 8-10 supplements per year AVAILABLE RISK-FREE FOR 30 DAYS Order online: www.carswell.com Call Toll-Free: 1-800-387-51764 In Toronto: 416-609-3800 10 N O VEMBER / D ECEMBER 2012 www.CANADIAN Lawyermag.com a judge's mind when they grant bail or " Dunnigan going public was the right thing for a Provincial Court judge to do was CBC Radio host David Gray. But while the veteran journalist thought a sitting judge on his show would be a good thing, he wasn't prepared to be a patsy putting a PR glow on the work of the courts. If Dunnigan was to go on air, Gray insisted he had to able the challenge him. "The deal would be I could ask any question any time, deny it. What does a judge consider when sentencing someone. The man who helped persuade would be free to say, 'I can't comment on that.'" There have been a few blunt exchanges but the men clearly have a lot of mutual respect. Gray met Dunnigan at a bibulous " recalls Gray. "And he Thanksgiving dinner hosted by a mutual friend. "Sean was not your regular judge, remembers Gray. "He was wearing a cowboy shirt, a leather coat, and had absolutely no compunction about talk- ing on any issue. " " Right at the party, geoff ellwAnd

• Cover