Inaugural Lecture by Professor Nikos Harris – Irreconcilable Differences: The Fundamental Incompatibility of the Adversarial System of Justice and Self-Representation

Event Description

This Lecture will explore the growing crisis in our justice system stemming from the colliding forces of the increasing complexity of legal proceedings and the staggering number of persons who are forced to represent themselves. This escalating tension is exacerbated by the fact that many of the procedural and substantive complexities of our justice system are necessary for a reliable search for the truth and fair proceedings. This Lecture will propose a number of potential solutions to this crisis, including broadening the criteria for court appointment of counsel for indigent parties, the proper funding of legal aid, developing publicly accessible responsible Al legal research tools, and the creation of more open-access legal education resources. 

Registration information to come.

Speaker

Nikos Harris is an award-winning professor who also has extensive experience as appellate counsel. He has authored numerous articles on issues in criminal law and evidence, and his writing has been cited in a number of trial and appellate judgments. Nikos has served as a guest speaker for a number of organizations including Continuing Legal Education, the Trial Lawyers Association, and Crown Counsel of British Columbia. He is also is an advocacy advisor for the Supreme Court Advocacy Institute which assists counsel in preparing submissions for the Supreme Court of Canada. Nikos served as a judicial clerk at the British Columbia Court of Appeal and was a Raymond Herbert Award recipient.