New chief judge appointed to N.W.T. territorial court

N.W.T. Premier and Minister of Justice R.J. Simpson has appointed Jeannie Scott as chief judge of the territorial court.

"She is a highly respected member of the legal community and has demonstrated a commitment to improving the administration of justice," said Simpson in a news release on Wednesday.

According to the release, Scott has been part of the court since 2021 and "has sat as a judge in communities across the territory."

Prior to her joining the territorial court, Scott spent a decade as a prosecutor in the N.W.T. and spent time as a lawyer with the legal division of the territorial Department of Justice.

In addition to their regular judicial responsibilities, a chief judge also "provides general supervision and direction over the sittings of the Territorial Court, including assigning judges for Territorial Court hearings and oversight on the Justice of the Peace program," reads the release.

Scott takes over the role from Robert Gorin, whose term comes to an end on Wednesday. The appointment lasts for five years.