Justicia Awards launched (for reporting on the justice system).

• Author: Mildon, Marsha

The Canadian Bar Association, the Law Commission of Canada, and the Department of Justice have announced a new award for outstanding reporting of the justice system. The first Justicia Awards for Excellence in Journalism will be awarded in August 2000.

These awards will recognize outstanding broadcast and print stories that foster public awareness and understanding of any aspect of the Canadian justice system and the roles played by institutions and participants in the legal system. The criteria for judging entries will be accuracy, effectiveness in explaining legal issues to the public, informational value, insight, and originality.

"It is important to recognize that reporting on complex, sensitive, and sometimes controversial issues of justice is extremely difficult yet critical in maintaining public confidence in the system," said Roderick Macdonald, President of...