Summary

This bill creates a new class of judicial officer called associate judges within Saskatchewan's Court of King's Bench, establishes their appointment process, jurisdiction, compensation mechanisms, and accountability structures including a review council to handle complaints.

The bill adds associate judges to the Court of King's Bench. These officers will handle many of the same matters as regular judges but with limitations: they cannot set aside orders made by judges, hear criminal cases, or issue certain types of emergency court orders like injunctions. Associate judges must have at least 10 years at the bar or equivalent legal experience, serve until age 70, and work full-time unless given special permission. Their salaries will be set through a commission process similar to other judicial officers, with the Legislative Assembly retaining override authority in exceptional circumstances. The bill establishes an associate judges review council to investigate complaints about misconduct or incapacity. If the council finds misconduct or incapacity established after a hearing, it can recommend removal, suspension, reprimands, or other remedial orders. The associate judge has the right to a hearing with legal representation before discipline is imposed. The bill does not specify how many associate judges will be appointed or what their initial salary will be.