Surprise!

Judge sex complaint review to hold 1st hearing
Tuesday, may 1, 2012

A complaint alleging sexual harassment and discrimination on the part of a Manitoba judge will be heard by the Canadian Judicial Council for the first time later this month.

The council announced today that its inquiry into the conduct of Associate Chief Justice Lori Douglas of the Manitoba Court of Queen's Bench will hold its initial hearing May 19 in Winnipeg.

Alexander Chapman of Winnipeg filed the complaint in July 2010, alleging that Douglas's husband, Jack King, tried to pressure him into having sex with Douglas in 2002 and 2003.

Chapman said when he retained King to handle his divorce in 2002, the lawyer showed him sexually explicit photos of Douglas, naked in various forms of bondage, in chains, with sex toys and performing oral sex.

Both King and Douglas were lawyers and partners with a Winnipeg law firm at the time.

Chapman told CBC News he is glad the case has finally reached this point, but he feels the situation has had an emotional toll on him.

"It's a shame that it took two years for me to relive this thing all over again, from the time I complained," he said Tuesday.

"Like, I'm supposed to be put through this wringer. It almost feels like I've been punished."

Douglas stepped away from her duties as a sitting judge shortly after Chapman's complaint was filed.

The Canadian Judicial Council hears complaints involving a judge's conduct and can decide whether or not the judge in question should continue to serve on the bench.

The May 19 hearing will focus on procedural matters, including who can take part in the inquiry. The hearing will be open to the public.