Supreme Court Chief Says ‘Rhetorical Attacks’ on Judiciary’s Independence Are Weakening Legal System

Supreme Court Chief Says ‘Rhetorical Attacks’ on Judiciary’s Independence Are Weakening Legal System
Chief Justice of Canada Richard Wagner holds his annual press conference on June 9, 2026. The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick
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The head of Canada’s Supreme Court highlighted a series of challenges to the judiciary’s operations, including what he described as outside attempts to undermine trust in the courts and the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI).

Chief Justice Richard Wagner made the comments during an update on the top court’s work in Ottawa on June 9, adding that institutions in Canada and elsewhere are under pressure and the public’s trust in them cannot be taken for granted.