Shaw was born in Lethbridge, Alta., and grew up there and in Brooks. She became a registered nurse in 1974 and obtained a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Victoria in 1983. In 1988, she received her law degree from the University of B.C.Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion delivered straight to your inbox at 7 a.m., Monday to Friday.By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Penticton Herald reporter Joe Fries caught up with Shaw via email following her retirement. Her responses have been lightly edited for style and brevity.Article contentMy husband and I do love travelling, and we hope to do some while we are both healthy enough to enjoy the rigours of travel. We plan to spend a lot more time with our two children and our two granddaughters than we have been able to do while we were both still working.
There is a document issued by the CJC called “Why is Judicial Independence Important to You?” which provides an overview of the importance of judicial independence for the benefit of all citizens and talks about a judge’s role in making a decision between parties in a legal dispute, based on the evidence of the case and the law that applies.If nothing else, the pandemic seemed to have finally dragged the court system into the digital age with virtual appearances and the like.
In light of this, the court has worked to ensure that court hearings whether virtual or in-person are effective, efficient and fair.Few people ever leave a courtroom happy after a sentencing. The victim may feel the judge went to light. The accused may feel the judge was too harsh. How does a judge sleep get any sleep at night?There are some nights when judges do not sleep well. The subject matters of what judges deal with are often very difficult and challenging.
The court has no authority for the making of legislation and is unable to comment on positions which people may voice outside of court with respect to legislation.