Program Chairs:
Anil Kapoor,
Kapoor Barristers
Cheryl Woodin,
Bennett Jones LLP
Over the last decade or so, we have collectively come to recognize that factors of credibility are not universal. When a witness avoids eye contact when testifying, it could be for a number of reasons that have nothing to do with whether they are lying on the stand. When a witness requires an interpreter, the specific words that the interpreter chooses can bear significant impact on whether their story is communicated as intended. Good litigators can identify credibility issues. Great litigators can identify potential credibility issues and effectively bring them to the decision maker's attention in a nuanced, respectful and culturally-competent way.
Some questions we will explore in this program:
- How can you best present a witness who does not share the same culture as you (or the judge)?
- What does it mean to be a trauma-informed lawyer? A trauma-informed judge?
- How can you effectively cross-examine a witness with a disability while also being accommodating and empathetic?
- What's the difference (and when do you) make a cultural briefing submission vs. giving judicial notice?
Find out the answers to these questions and more.
Registration includes electronic materials, which will be provided prior to the program. Registration also includes access to the live webcast recording for 30 days from the date of the program.
Ontario Courts Accessibility Committee Survey
The OCAC is currently surveying Ontarians to gather information about barriers that people with disabilities face and accessibility services that were helpful to people with disabilities in using an Ontario courthouse or court process. Please take a moment to fill out the survey to help improve justice services to people with disabilities across Ontario:
Fill out the survey in English.
Remplissez le sondage en Français.
*Due to current concerns with COVID-19, we will be offering this program fully remotely via webcast only.
Please review the system requirements to view a Zoom event here.