This week Winnipeg lawyer Jack King faced his accusers at a professional disciplinary hearing, where he pled guilty to sexually harassing a client by cajoling the client to have sex with his wife, Madam Justice Lori Douglas of Manitoba’s Court of Queen’s Bench. (Earlier posts on this story can be found in the archives for September 6, September 10 and November 17, 2010)
The saga of Mr. King and his wife has provided copious material for newspapers and publications around the world as photos of Justice Douglas, nude except for bondage regalia, appeared on the internet. Mr. King’s client, Alexander Chapman, sued Mr. King last year for $67 million, in spite of the fact he had received $25,000 from Mr. King years earlier in exchange for his silence and the return of nude photos of Judge Douglas that Mr. Chapman had received from Mr. King. His lawsuit has now been dismissed.
When the matter became public Madam Justice Douglas was removed as a sitting judge and now faces an investigation by Canada’s Judicial Council to determine if she is fit to continue as a high court judge. Her fate remains unresolved.
Mr. King apologized to his profession but more importantly, sought the forgiveness of his wife for the situation she found herself in as a result of his dealings with Alexander Chapman. King admitted that he and his wife met with Mr. Chapman on two occasions in furtherance of King’s desire to have Chapman sleep with his wife.
Sexual harassment usually results in a suspension of a lawyer’s license to practice, however, the Law Society opted to impose a reprimand and costs of $13,650.00.
The important issue remaining is whether Judge Douglas’ private life renders her unsuitable to continue as a judge. What do you think?
Lawdiva aka Georgialee Lang
Lawdiva's Blog 
Those that are appointed to judge realize that they are held to a different standard of conduct in their own lives then the ordinary citizen.We regard a judge as someone who should exemplify moral behaviour and conduct.Saying this, it is difficult in this day and age to have lines set in stone on this. However, appearing naked in bondage and being used as a sexual favour by her husband is not something we would encourage or say is a role model for young women in society or for our daughters.Obviously she lacks the ability to judge others since she exhibits poor judgement in her own personal life.
Apparently the term “cad” has fallen from favour in our society. Unfortunate, because Mr. King clearly meets that description. What he did to his wife’s reputation is unforgiveable, and it is regardless of whether she was a judge or occupied in any other occupation.
Should she remain as a judge? Frankly I do not see how she could, not because she is unable to perform the function, but because she is encumbered now with the bagage that her husband has attached to her. I had a lot of issues with some of Pierre Trudeau’s statements, but I certainly agreed with his contention that the state had no business in the bedrooms of the nation.
Unfortunately, Mr. King chose, for whatever reason, to highlight such matters in public. Bad choice.
I do not see how Madam Justice Douglas can possibly perform her functions in the face of, presumably veiled, snickers from those attending her court.