A Canadian judge is getting his feel of what it’s like to be judged after making some disgusting statements during a rape case. In a unanimous decision, the Canadian Judicial Council/CJC recommended that Federal Court Judge Robin Camp be removed from the bench after the remarks he made during a sexual assault trial. The trial took place in Alberta in 2014. The CJC found that Camp committed misconduct when he asked a 19-year-old woman: "Why couldn't you just keep your knees together?" He also suggested the victim, who was raped over a bathroom sink, could have avoided the rape by "sinking her bottom down into the basin." Several times Camp also referred to the victim as "the accused" and also stated that "sometimes sex and pain go together." The inquiry committee seemed stunned along with the millions of people around the world who are now aware of the case.
"We also find that the judge relied on discredited myths and stereotypes about women and victim blaming during the trial and in his reasons for judgment," the committee wrote in a 116-page report.
Though Camp says he’s sorry for the 'hurtful' comments, it was not enough to convince the CJC committee consisting of three Superior Court judges and two senior attorneys.
"We conclude that Justice Camp's conduct in the … trial was so manifestly and profoundly destructive of the concept of the impartiality, integrity and independence of the judicial role that public confidence is sufficiently undermined to render the judge incapable of executing the judicial office.”
Alice Woolley, a law professor at the University of Calgary, was one of the first to file a complaint with the CJC. She says the decision sends a very strong message to other judges as well as rape survivors that Camp’s conduct was and is completely unacceptable in a Canadian court. She adds:
"The decision for a victim of sexual assault to come forward can be very challenging and it is crucial that they know they will be treated with respect and dignity and not subjected to sexual myths and stereotypes."
Camp has 30 days to submit a written submission in response to the council’s recommendation to remove him from the bench. The case is then presented to another review by over 20 chief judges from across the nation. They will then make a recommendation to the minister of justice who will make the final decision. if the aforementioned opt to do the right thing, and there is only one right thing, Robin Camp will be removed from the bench.
If you or someone you know is, or has ever been, a victim of rape/sexual assault, you are not alone and it’s never too late to seek help. You can find free support via the National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800.656.HOPE (4673) and/or by visiting the Rape, Abuse Incest National Network/online.RAINN.org. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911. You do not have to live with guilt and shame. You are not alone. If you can hold on to one thing, remember this — it’s not your fault.
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