IBA Annual Conference Toronto 2025
2 Nov - 7 Nov 2025
Session information
Stand down: when should judges not sit or get involved?
Wednesday 5 November (1615 - 1730)
Committee(s)
Judges' Forum
(Lead)
Description
The rule of law depends upon an independent judiciary. Appointment to judicial office carries with it the responsibility to be, and be seen to be, independent. Why? What does that mean in practice? From the tests for actual and ostensible bias- determining when judges should be disqualified or recused from sitting- through to social and political activities, there are many things that judges must navigate. Hear from experienced judges and advocates discuss the applicable tests, traps and guides associated with being a judge, especially when judges must ‘stand down’ and ‘stay out of it’.