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.
Hammerco Lawyers LLP has partnered with top American law firm toinvestigate allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse within the Southern Baptist Convention in the US and Canadian National Baptist Convention in Canada.
Hammerco lawyers have obtained a jury verdict of over $377,000 for our client, who was injured in a motor vehicle accident in March 2017.
Practicing in a trauma-informed manner is central to our civil sexual assault practice. We aim to provide a safe space for survivors to get answers to their questions and explore their legal options.
In recognition of Mel's passion for giving back and supporting underprivileged and historically or systematically marginalized individuals, Hammerco Lawyers was honoured to create the Mel Beaton memorial donation.