ESG United Church hosts a free speaker series called Compassionate Justice several times each year. After a hiatus during COVID restrictions, the series returns for its 11th year from October 2022 – February 2023. The principal focus of the series over the years has been all aspects of our criminal justice system and selected other topics such as the Truth and Reconciliation experience. Join us for another season of unique public speaking events with renowned and inspiring speakers.

Each speaker event will take place at 12:30 pm in the accessible church sanctuary after the service. All are welcome.

January 22, 2023 – What Judges Don’t Decide at Sentencing 

Lisa Kerr is a law professor who teaches criminal law, sentencing and prison law. She serves as the Director of the Criminal Law Group at Queen’s Law and works with the Queen’s Prison Law Clinic on strategic litigation. Sentencing judges decide only the length of a prison sentence, which means that the experience and severity of punishment is beyond the control of criminal law.