This appeal addressed whether trial judges may fix rates of remuneration for amici curiae and order provincial payment in criminal proceedings where amici were appointed to preserve orderly process.
The majority held that while superior and statutory courts may appoint amici in exceptional circumstances, inherent or implied jurisdiction does not extend to fixing compensation rates absent constitutional or statutory authority.
The Court emphasized separation of powers and held public-funding allocation decisions belong to the legislative and executive branches.
Dissenting judges would have recognized fee-setting as necessarily incidental to the appointment power to protect judicial process integrity.
The appeal was allowed.
