A Canadian judge has apologized for wearing to court a hat which was a symbol of Donald Trump’s U.S. presidential campaign, but that will not stop an investigation into the incident, reports The Globe and Mail.
The newspaper revealed that last week that the day after the U.S. elected Trump, Justice Bernd Zabel of the Ontario Court of Justice wore the red hat which is labelled “Make America Great Again.”
‘Judges…must not manifest favour, bias’
The rules of judicial conduct in the province of Ontario say that judges “”should not be influenced by partisan interests, public pressure or fear of criticism. Judges should maintain their objectivity and shall not, by words or conduct, manifest favour, bias or prejudice towards any party or interest.” There are similar rules for courts across Canada.
The Globe reports that Zabel issued a 216-page statement of apology and explanation in court in which he called his decision to wear the cap a “misguided attempt to mark a moment in history by humour.”
Complaints are not withdrawn
Several complaints had been made to the Ontario Judicial Council which governs judges and is independent. Complaints were filed by a University of Toronto law professor, the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund, and 27 faculty members at the University of Windsor’s law school. None have withdrawn their complaints in light of the judge’s apology.
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