Media and the judges (Toronto Star editorial)

Toronto Star editorial:

"Today Chief Justice Warren Winkler presides over the ceremonial opening of Ontario's courts. After an interfaith service, Winkler will conduct a special sitting to deliver his annual report before members of the government and the Law Society of Upper Canada.

"But no questions, please.

"Last year, Winkler cancelled the annual news conference at Osgoode Hall that had become a tradition under his predecessor as chief justice, Roy McMurtry. In previous years, McMurtry not only delivered his verdict on the state of the courts, he also invited journalists to pose questions to him and the other leading judges.

"It was a refreshing departure from the customary remoteness of senior judges. McMurtry descended from the mount, as it were, to take questions and expound on the strengths and weaknesses of the justice system. A particular passion of his was the need to create more opportunities for young people to steer them away from lives of crime; he also lamented the long delays in the criminal justice system.

"In doing so, McMurtry added transparency, accountability and credibility to his position by shedding light on the workings of this very important branch of government. As Ontario's courts strive to keep up with the times, the cancellation of the annual news conference is a step backwards."