Paul Copeland

This second interview covers Paul Copeland’s political considerations including potential NDP nominations in various Toronto ridings, his relationships with political figures like Ian Scott, and his disillusionment with electoral politics. Copeland recounts anecdotes about prominent figures including Ian Scott’s offer of a judgeship to study Native Justice, and his interactions with various Crown attorneys and judges.

Copeland discusses significant cases, particularly the Scientology defamation case where he represented the Church of Scientology against Casey Hill, resulting in a record-breaking $1.6 million judgment against his client. He reflects on the evolution of criminal practice, the challenges of legal aid funding, and the impact of the Charter on criminal law. The interview also covers his extensive involvement with Burma democracy activism, his role as chair of Associates to Develop Democratic Burma, and his concerns about Aung San Suu Kyi’s response to the Rohingya crisis.

The discussion touches on his various professional recognitions including the Order of Canada, G. Arthur Martin Award, and Sidney B. Linden Award, along with his experiences as a Life Bencher and his continuing involvement in police oversight through the Toronto Police Services Board.

This description was written by AI and may contain some inaccuracies.