Judge’s case goes to panel

The Canadian Judicial Council is taking the next step in its review of a complaint against Supreme Court of Canada Justice Russell Brown concerning events at an Arizona resort.

Christopher Hinkson, chief justice of the Supreme Court of British Columbia and chairperson of the council’s judicial conduct committee, has decided to refer the matter to a judicial conduct review panel.

In turn, the five-member panel can decide that an inquiry committee should be established if it determines the matter might be serious enough to warrant the removal of the judge.

Brown insists he did nothing wrong before an alleged altercation at a Scottsdale resort lounge in January. Jon Crump accuses Brown of being intoxicated and hitting on Crump’s female companions.

Crump told police he punched the judge “a few times.”

Brown, who has described Crump’s version of their encounter as “demonstrably false,” has been on leave from the court since Feb. 1 pending the investigation’s outcome.

He was taking part in an awards ceremony and banquet at the resort ahead of the encounter, which occurred in the hotel lounge later that night.