A party in a family law matter complained that the judge’s decision had still not been released some 16 months after the trial

20020014 - A party in a family law matter complained that the judge’s decision had still not been released some 16 months after the trial.

The judge responded that the delay in rendering the decision was intolerable and the complaint was justified. He described personal difficulties he had faced due to serious health problems and said he had recently taken steps to try to ensure that he would be able to perform his judicial duties in an appropriate and timely manner. He recognized that it is unacceptable to unduly delay decisions. While there were difficult circumstances for the judge, in the interests of the proper administration of justice, the Chairperson wrote to the judge expressing disapproval of the judge’s conduct, and the complainant was advised accordingly.