Bedford resident Angela Caseley has been appointed as Nova Scotia’s newest provincial court judge, effective immediately. The announcement was made by Attorney General and Justice Minister Brad Johns, who praised Caseley as an experienced and well-respected lawyer.
“Nova Scotians are fortunate to have someone of her caliber presiding over provincial court matters,” said Johns. “She is a person of integrity, good character, and has made important contributions to the practice of law.”
Caseley brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She joined the Public Prosecution Service of Canada in 2000 and focused on various areas such as organized crime, proceeds of crime, establishment of alternative courts, and administration of the agent supervision program. During her career, she served as a senior counsel and team lead and chaired the equity, diversity, and inclusion committee.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Caseley has also been an active volunteer in numerous community organizations. Her dedication and contributions outside the office further demonstrate her commitment to public service.
A graduate of Dalhousie Law School, Caseley was called to the bar in British Columbia in 1993 and in Nova Scotia in 1999. She began her legal career as a defense lawyer before joining the BC Prosecution Service. In 1999, she returned to Nova Scotia and joined Beveridge, Lambert, and Duncan, where she practiced criminal defense and civil litigation before joining the federal prosecution service.
The provincial court, over which Caseley will preside, handles most indictable and summary offense charges under the Criminal Code. Her appointment to the bench follows a rigorous selection process. Judges are chosen by the government from a list of candidates recommended by the seven-member independent Advisory Committee on Provincial Judicial Appointments. The committee consists of two members from the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society, a sitting judge of the Provincial Court, three public representatives, and a retired member of the judiciary as the Chair, all appointed by the Minister of Justice.
Merit and professional excellence are the primary factors considered in judicial appointments. Additionally, gender, language proficiency, racial and cultural diversity, geographical representation, and a commitment to public service are among the criteria taken into account.
With Caseley’s appointment, the provincial court now boasts a bench of 18 female and nine male judges serving full-time, with an additional 14 part-time judges. Furthermore, four judges on the bench are bilingual. Currently, there is one vacancy awaiting fulfillment on the provincial court.
