Ottawa, October 8, 2024 - The Canadian Judicial Council (Council) has issued Guidelines on the Use of Social Media by Federally Appointed Judges, which are available on the Council's website.

The purpose of the Guidelines is to provide additional guidance about the safe and appropriate use of social media by judges. The Guidelines acknowledge that while there are risks associated with the use of social media by judges, there are also potential benefits such as opportunities to: connect with the broader judicial community; facilitate public education about the judicial role and the legal system; maintain personal connections with friends and family, which is an important component of judicial wellness; and educate judges on a technology that may arise in cases before them. The Guidelines also recognize that improper use of social media can undermine public confidence in the judiciary as well as the principles that define the judicial role, namely: independence, integrity, respect, diligence, competence, equality, and impartiality.

The Guidelines build upon Council's existing Ethical Principles for Judges, which discuss several ethical considerations arising from a judge's use of social media.

In preparing these Guidelines, the Council leveraged existing social media guidance for judges that exists within Canada and abroad, as well as expert assistance.

Did you know?

The Council has a number of standing committees, including the Judicial Independence Committee (JIC).

The purpose of the JIC is to enhance the understanding of, and make recommendations to the Council aimed at protecting and promoting, the independence of the judiciary, as well as offering recommendations with regards to the judicial appointment process.

The Guidelines were initially drafted by a sub-committee of JIC, comprised of chief justices, puisne judges, and an academic expert. The Canadian Superior Courts Judges Association also provided input.

The terms of reference for all standing committees of Council are available on the Council's website.

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Contact :
Krista Ferraro
Director of Communications and Strategic Issues Management
Canadian Judicial Council
[email protected]