Adam Prudhomme
Editor
An old judicial system tradition will be revived at the local level on Oct. 4 when Lennox and Addington County’s Courthouse hosts a ceremonial ‘opening of the courts’.
Beginning at 3 p.m., the ceremony will include brief speeches by judges and lawyers.
“It’s a tradition that goes back hundreds of years.” explains Napanee based crown attorney Richard Floyd. “It has its origins when courts used to be what we call itinerant, or moving from place to place.”
Though today’s court is heard in a fixed location, there was a time when court moved from community to community to hear cases before moving on to the next location. The opening of the courts was a celebration of sorts to let residents know cases would be heard in their community. These days an opening of the courts is purely a symbolic event as a nod to tradition as well as serving as a meet and greet of sorts with members of the public who have an interest in the court system. They could be students with their eyes on a career in the law field or just anyone who wanted to learn more about Canada’s courts.
As years have past, the tradition has fallen to the wayside in many communities across the Commonwealth. Lennox and Addington County last marked the occasion in 2017.
Members of the public are welcome to attend the Oct. 4 ceremony, where they’ll hear from Justice Geoff Griffin of the Ontario Court as well as Justice James McNamara and Justice Graeme Mew of the Superior Court, among other speakers. Greater Napanee mayor Marg Isbester will also be on hand to say a few words.
“It’s a good time to get close to people you wouldn’t normally get close to,” Floyd said of speaking with members of the justice system. “They are neighbours, colleagues, friends, people in your community whether they’re judges or lawyers, they’re still just people like you or I.”
The free event will be followed by refreshments.
The County of Lennox and Addington Courthouse is located at 97 Thomas Street E in Napanee.