2010
Department of Justice

As Court Utilization Manager, Tamara is responsible for scheduling of cases before the Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador. Her determination, ingenuity and innovative approach led to the successful implementation of a new trial scheduling system.

Prior to 2009 the scheduling procedure in place involved judges and their support staff working independently. Should a trial fail to proceed, a minimum of several weeks notice for rescheduling was required. Court calendar vacancies, which could not be easily filled, occurred and court sitting times declined from 2006 to 2009. These delays created hardships for the accused, victims and witnesses; made it more difficult to ensure a fair trial; as well as increasing the costs.

Faced with this reality, an organizational cultural shift was required. Through her considerable interpersonal skills, imagination, and persistent contact with lawyers for the parties as well as judges and court support staff, in one year Tamara was able to accomplish the previously unthinkable – development of a Case Assignment and Retrieval System.

Lawyers, parties, judges and their support staff now look to Tamara to determine when and where a case will be heard. Before court begins each morning and throughout the day Tamara responds quickly, efficiently, and courteously to last minute and unexpected challenges. The end result is delays are reduced and efficiencies are generated within the criminal justice process. Tamara then saw an extension to the system’s application. Police and investigative agencies often make application directly to judges for search warrants, production orders and other judicial authorizations. Gaining access to judges had previously been a cumbersome process. However, Tamara saw an opportunity for police and investigative agencies to now contact her directly to schedule an appointment thereby eliminating waiting times.

Tamara also played an integral role in the implementation of a video appearance procedure whereby persons who are being held in custody pending trial can now appear by video link with the assignment court. This practice for video remand developed in St. John’s is now being employed in other parts of the province.

By overseeing these measures to improve the efficiency of the criminal justice system and reducing the times to trial, Tamara has contributed immensely to the true cause of justice. The benefits to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador are the measure of her success.