Concordia announces a three-year partnership with the Court of Quebec
Since fall 2017, Concordia’s jurist-in-residence Morton Minc has been acting as a bridge between the university and the field of law in Quebec through mentorship and event programming.
Now he’s taking that role one step further. In collaboration with the Faculty of Arts and Science, Minc is partnering with the Court of Quebec on a three-year pilot project.
The court will host up to eight students from the Law and Society minor in the Department of History, providing behind-the-scenes access that includes meeting with judges and lawyers, sitting in on trials and touring the facilities.
“This is an invaluable opportunity for our students to meet, engage and exchange with the people who are at the centre of the justice system in Quebec,” says André Roy, dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science.
“We are grateful for the efforts of Morton Minc in bringing this unique, hands-on learning experience to our students.”
Scott Hughes, senior associate chief judge of the Court of Quebec, says the partnership is a concrete way for students to deepen their understanding of the judicial system.
“The Court of Quebec is eager to build greater public awareness around the roles and responsibilities of its judges,” adds Hughes.
“With this goal in mind, we are thrilled to welcome Concordia students and answer their questions.”
‘Experiential learning at its best’
Throughout his career, Minc has advocated for a more humane form of justice for victims and offenders. The partnership’s theme resonates with his life-long commitment to social innovation in the court system.
“This is experiential learning at its best,” he says.
“It will allow students to get a three-dimensional picture of the justice system in Quebec and come away feeling informed and empowered to contribute to continued social innovation.”
Students will be accompanied by a faculty member and judge who will help them examine the current judicial landscape, discuss challenges facing the court and ask questions.
Minc is developing the program with the help of Me Robin Schiller. A Partner at HHS AVOCATS, Me Schiller is an active volunteer, assisting Minc with numerous aspects of the jurist-in-residence program.
Eric Reiter, associate professor of history and Law and Society program director, says this is a chance for students to see the law in action.
“Our theme for the project is access to justice — an important issue that affects law and society here in Montreal and across the country,” Reiter explains.
“Students will see how the Court of Quebec is addressing this issue and speak with judges, lawyers and court personnel in order to gain a detailed understanding of how the legal system is meeting the challenges of the 21st century.”
The first cohort of students will conclude the experience in May 2020 with a presentation to their peers. Participating students will receive a certificate of achievement signed by the dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science and a representative from the Court of Quebec.
Learn more about Morton Minc and Concordia’s Jurist-in-Residence Program.
