School for Prosecutors


Introduction

The School for Prosecutors is an in-house training program administered by the Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC). The program was established in 1997 under the auspices of the former Federal Prosecution Service of the Department of Justice Canada with a mandate to promote practical knowledge and training for federal prosecutors. The transition, in December, 2006, of the Federal Prosecution Service to the PPSC has not changed the mandate of the School.

The School currently offers, annually, two different intensive one-week courses, each covering a number of topics, to approximately 70 prosecutors. Private practitioners who act as agents for the PPSC as well as some provincial prosecutors and senior law enforcement investigators, are also among the students.

A combination of lectures, seminars, panel discussions, and papers are used to teach the students and to enhance their understanding of the modern practice of criminal law. In addition, attention is given to operational policies and guidelines, such as those contained in the Federal Prosecution Service Deskbook, that address important issues in prosecution practice. In addition to providing training, the school is also a forum for students to meet, network, share, and enhance their sense of identity as federal prosecutors.

The faculty of the School is made up of experts in criminal law. The faculty is largely drawn from the ranks of senior PPSC prosecutors from across the country. A number of guest speakers from outside the PPSC, including members of the judiciary, professors of law, senior defence counsel and experienced police investigators are also invited to offer the students a broader exposure to aspects of criminal law practice.

Administration

Martha Devlin, Principal
Carolyn Farr, Vice-Principal (Level One)
Todd Gerhart, Vice-Principal (Level One)
Nancy Irving, Vice-Principal (Level Two)
Chris Mainella, Vice-Principal (Level Two)
Louise Laflamme, Registrar