Sexual assault training for judges in Canada
Canada has introduced mandatory sexual assault training for federally appointed judges in response to high-profile cases and growing media attention. In 2017, Bill C-337, known as the JUST Act, was proposed by Rona Ambrose to require judges to complete sexual assault law and social context education and to ensure accountability by the Canadian Judicial Council, including requiring judges to explain their decisions in sexual assault cases. The bill passed the House of Commons but died in the Senate in 2019; parties have signaled willingness to reintroduce similar legislation.
Prince Edward Island took its own step by passing Bill 110, the Mandatory Sexual Assault Law Education Act, in 2018. This law bars appointment of lawyers who haven’t completed the training and makes plans for the education public. The National Judicial Institute also runs a week-long course for new Supreme Court justices, focusing on the social and legal aspects of sexual assault trials.
Research shows sexual assault cases are often under-reported, under-investigated, and under-convicted. About one in five allegations are dismissed as unfounded. The 2014 General Social Survey found that 83% of sexual assaults are not reported, with distrust toward police and the courts cited as a barrier. In 2014/2015, less than half of sexual assault trials resulted in a conviction, and among those convictions, 57% were custodial sentences and 18% were probation.
Experts say judges can unintentionally re-victimize complainants when stereotypes and rape myths influence decisions, which is why targeted training is important.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 06:45 (CET).