Judicial Council to review complaints against judge

Canada’s ruling body for judges is reviewing the case of a Manitoba Justice whose comments about a rape victim have sparked anger and protests.

The Canadian Judicial Council announced in a news release posted on its website Friday that it is reviewing recent complaints made against Manitoba Queen’s Bench Justice Robert Dewar.

“There have been numerous media reports and public reaction to these comments,” the council statement says.

Dewar has been under fire for suggesting a woman who was the victim of a sex assault in Thompson, encouraged the attack because of how she was dressed and how she acted. The judge made the comments while sentencing the accused, who was spared a jail sentence.

The CJC is responsible for investigating complaints of judicial misconduct.

“The complaints against Justice Dewar will be reviewed in accordance with the Council’s complaints procedures: 80 per cent of complaints are reviewed by the Council within three months, and 95 per cent within six months,” the council statement says.