Two Canadian magistrates awarded the 'Peter Gruber' Justice Prize

Two Canadian female magistrates have been awarded the 2003 "Peter Gruber" International Award of Justice, in a ceremony held here on Wednesday.

Bertha Wilson and Rosalie Abella were rewarded by this American Foundation in recognition of their significant contributions in the area of justice.

During this ceremony co-sponsored by the Moroccan Supreme Court, Albie Sachs, Judge at the South African Constitutional Court, and member of the Award jury paid homage to the recipients. He was echoed by the Moroccan minister of Justice, Mohamed Bouzoubaa who took this opportunity to emphasize, in a speech read on his behalf by one of his aides, Morocco's commitment to democracy and to the rule of Law, a commitment welcomed by the award founder Peter Gruber and his wife, Patricia who hailed the progress made by the kingdom in promoting democracy, justice and human rights.

The Justice Prize, established in 2001, is awarded to individuals or organizations in recognition of significant contributions in the area of justice and for efforts and accomplishments in furthering the cause of justice as delivered through the legal system.

The foundation says on its website, the Justice Prize, a gold medal and a $150,000 cash award, is an international award given without respect to nationality, race, gender, ethnicity, or religious creed. Recipients are selected from the world community by a distinguished panel of international legal experts.