This week, the BC Provincial Court and BC Supreme Court announced protocol for speaking in court. Now, everyone is asked to introduce themselves to the court – not only by name but by pronouns and preferred titles.
For some people, these announcements do not seem like big news. It is huge for others. This new protocol means that the courts can better acknowledge people based on how they identify.
This makes for a more respectful and open environment. It makes our courts more inclusive and embraces diversity. In her announcement, the Chief Judge of the BC Provincial Court explained that introducing this measure is meant to improve the experiences within the legal system for gender diverse parties and to avoid uncomfortable tension.
Those assumptions – based on how someone looks, how someone sounds, or how someone’s name appears – can be wrong. When pronouns are used that are inconsistent with a person’s identity, it can inflict harm. Even if there are no bad intentions, mis-gendering a person can be leave them feeling disrespected, dismissed, or alienated.
Partner Krista Simon and Associate Rosy Arora successfully secured over $587,000 in a judgement for compensation for a young woman who sustained physical and cognitive injuries in a car accident on December 12, 2016.
Hammerco Lawyers is investigating allegations of sexual assault by one or more corrections officers at the Fraser Valley Institution for Women in Abbotsford between 2005 to 2020.
Hammerco Lawyers is working within the civil legal system to hold the Fab Skin Clinic and its employees accountable for the trauma and harm they have caused the patients who underwent treatment at the clinic.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear friend, colleague, and partner Mel Beaton following a battle with cancer.