The Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Justice and Attorney General, today expressed his condolences to the family and friends of Judge Michael J. Monaghan upon his passing.

"Judge Monaghan was an intelligent and compassionate judge who served Newfoundland and Labrador, particularly the people of the west coast, admirably during his entire career," said Minister Kennedy. "While serving almost two years on the bench, Judge Monaghan displayed great insight and his frank and forthright manner will certainly be missed."

Appointed as a Provincial Court Judge in June 2006, Judge Monaghan sat at Provincial Court in Stephenville. Prior to this appointment, he practised criminal law, family law and civil litigation in Corner Brook for over thirty years.

"On behalf the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, I offer my sincere condolences and best wishes to those who shared the life of Judge Monaghan, especially his wife Uschi and their children," said Minister Kennedy. "The passing of a loved one is never easy; however, we can always take comfort in our time and experiences shared together."

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Media contact:
Ken Morrissey
Director of Communications
Department of Justice
709-729-6985, 685-6612
kenmorrissey@gov.nl.ca