Profs coming & Profs going

It was publicly announced today that our renowned Criminal Law expert, Professor Gary Trotter, has been appointed to the Ontario Court of Justice. I have to admit, this news is bittersweet. It is a wonderful opportunity for now Hon. Mr. Justice Trotter, but many students (including myself) will be sad to see him go. He is a very popular professor (RateMyProfessor.com gives him 4.7 out of 5 with 29 responses), known for his collegiality, dedication to students, and first-hand stories that bring the material to life.

This is the second judicial appointment of Queen's faculty in recent past. In November, 2004, former Dean Alison Harvison-Young was appointed a judge of the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario. (So, I suppose some individuals could have their preliminary hearing before Trotter and then their trial before Young.) The result is that Queen's needs fresh faces in the faculty. Hopefully professors who are interested in Queen's as more than just a stepping-stone to somewhere else.

Prospective faculty have been touring the school the last while and more candidates will be coming to visit next semester. One of the things I really appreciate about Queen's Law is the concerted involvement of students in the process. It is not simply rhetoric when the Dean says: Students' voices really matter. Our opinions are taken seriously.

Good luck to Professor/Hon. Mr. Justice Trotter! I wonder if I'll ever see you in court (be easy on me). And good luck to prospective faculty. I hope your contributions to the school are commensurate with the fulfillment you receive from teaching.