News Release

For Immediate Release
July 11, 2008

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NEWS

The province has appointed three judges to the Ontario Court of Justice, effective July 23, 2008.

Mr. Justice Peter DeFreitas was called to the Bar in 1994. Since then, he has been a prosecutor for the federal Department of Justice and the Public Prosecution Service of Canada specializing in criminal and constitutional law. He has written articles for criminal law publications, and has been active in continuing legal education activities. He is also very involved in community projects and fundraising. Chief Justice Annemarie E. Bonkalo has assigned Justice DeFreitas to preside in Oshawa.

Madam Justice C. Ann Nelson was called to the Bar in 1980 and has specialized in family law since that time. She helped to organize a collaborative family law program in Toronto and has represented hundreds of children as a panel member of the Office of the Children's Lawyer. Madam Justice Nelson was also a hearing officer for the Ontario Child Abuse Register and is co-author of a book on children's law. She has also served as chair of the Centre for Child and Family Mediation. Chief Justice Annemarie E. Bonkalo has assigned Justice Nelson to preside in Brampton.

Mr. Justice Graham Wakefield was called to the Bar in 1983. He has been a sole practitioner since that time, focusing on criminal law. Mr. Justice Wakefield has been a member of a Legal Aid Ontario area committee, as well as the Durham Youth Justice Network Committee. He has also served on the boards of the Durham Region Violence Prevention Coordinating Council and the Barbara Black Centre for Youth Resources. Chief Justice Annemarie E. Bonkalo has assigned Justice Wakefield to preside in Oshawa.

QUOTE

"The appointment of these three judges will help to keep our courts running smoothly and ensure our justice resources are used as effectively as they can be," said Attorney General Chris Bentley.

LEARN MORE

Read more about the Ontario Court of Justice

Read more about the appointment of judges to the Ontario Court of Justice

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