Our goals are those of the CBA(NS). How can we help our Branch achieve them? We think that our efforts are best spent establishing ongoing and timely notice of government initiated legislation and law reform projects, and making it easier for our members to make their voices heard.
What are our objectives?
Once again, our objective is to assist the Branch in achieving the CBA(NS) objectives which include:
- Promoting law reform and the advancement of the public interest in all matters relating to legislation and the administration of justice in the Province [Bylaw Art.5(c)]; and,
- Providing the means of ascertaining and expressing the views of the legal profession in the province [Bylaw, Art. 5(d)].
Why are the Sections our focus?
The expertise and energy that drives legislation and law reform initiatives in our Branch comes from our members, who bring their interest, knowledge and experience to the table.
♦ Sections can communicate and respond as quickly as the situation demands.
When our members identify a need for legislative reform, they have a go-to person. The Section Chair is ideally placed to notify and solicit input from lawyers with an expressed interest in a particular area of law. Technology allows us to do this in a matter of minutes. And, when time permits, deserving issues can receive the necessary study and consultation, whether at the section level, or by way of ad hoc committees comprised of cross-section membership.
♦ Sections represent practice areas, not interests.
When a section speaks, it does so with one voice. By way of example, a criminal law section can include members from the prosecution service, the defence bar, legislators, and highly respected academics. The resulting submission is therefore considered, balanced and objective.
♦ Branch sections can exercise their voice through their National Sections.
Provincial sections have ready access to expertise from across Canada. Their members can also participate in national initiatives aimed at coordinating provincial legislation. On federal matters, they can advocate for the fair treatment of Nova Scotian interests.
