Final arguments wrapped on Monday at a judicial hearing to determine whether Justice Robin Camp should be removed from the bench for comments he made to a sexual assault complainant in 2014.
Camp was a provincial court judge in Calgary when he asked the complainant why she couldn’t keep her knees together, repeatedly referred to her as ‘the accused’, and suggested that her attempts to fight off her attacker were feeble.
A complaint was opened by the Canadian Judicial Council and a review panel was put together to determine Camp’s future as a federal court justice.
On Friday, Camp took the stand and told the hearing that his remarks were inappropriate and the result of "deep rooted, unrecognized prejudices."
He also apologized to the complainant, his family and Canadians and has indicated that he would like to continue to serve as a judge.
On Monday, final arguments were presented in the case and Camp's defence team said he has an education problem not a character issue.
In its closing submission, the defence cited unconscious bias as a reason for Camp's lapse in judgement and said that he wasn't aware what he said was wrong.
Camp's lawyers said his poor understanding of sexual assault law is not 'serious misconduct' and added that judges don't have to be perfect just teachable.
During her opposing remarks, lawyer Marjory Hickey told the inquiry that the case is more about whether public confidence will be maintained going forward.
The committee will deliberate and write its decision, then a recommendation will be referred to the federal justice minister, who will make the final decision on whether Camp will remain on the bench.
The Canadian Judicial Council gets over 150 complaints each year and most are either dismissed or dealt with behind closed doors.
