‘Knees-together’ judge can practise law again

CALGARY A former judge who resigned over his treatment of a sexual assault complainant is allowed to once again practise law in Alberta.

The Law Society of Alberta approved Robin Camp’s reinstatement this week.

A three-member committee said Camp’s integrity and competence were not at issue, but the central concern was the reputation of the profession.

Two lawyers and one member of the public said in their unanimous decision they were convinced that Camp learned from his mistakes.

“The committee is therefore of the view that reinstating Mr. Camp ... would not only be compatible with the best interests of the public, but better serve those interests, taking into account the importance of rehabilitation both to our system of justice and to society’s fundamental values,” they wrote.

“The committee is also of the view that reinstating Mr. Camp would not, when viewed through the eyes of the reasonable person, harm the standing of the legal profession generally.”

Court transcripts from the 2014 sexual assault trial show that Camp — then a provincial court judge in Calgary — called the complainant “the accused” numerous times and asked her why she didn’t resist by keeping her knees together.

Camp found the accused, Alexander Wagar, not guilty. The Appeal Court ordered a new trial in which Wagar was again acquitted.

Camp was appointed to the Federal Court in 2015. He stepped down last year following a Canadian Judicial Council recommendation that he be removed from the bench.

Last fall, Camp applied to practise law again. When law society members become judges, they automatically leave the organization.

The law society held a day-long hearing in November, during which friends and former colleagues described Camp as gentlemanly, respectful, tolerant and eager to learn.

Camp has apologized for his remarks during the Wagar trial and has undergone counselling and training with a superior court judge, a psychologist and an expert in sexual assault law.