John David Phillips
Phillips is not alone in his criticism of government. He received support in 2006 when retiring judge William Ormiston agreed with Phillips’ comments. Chief Justice Marilyn Warren responded to the criticism by saying that "bureaucrats did not tell her what to do". Warren noted that whilst there were disagreements between her and the government from time to time, the judges run the courts, not public servants. Warren said
"The court, as part of our structure of government, is independent. As part of Victoria's constitutional arrangements, the Supreme Court is the third arm of government."
Court system of Canada
The Federal Court exists primarily to review administrative decisions by federal government bodies such as the immigration board and to hear lawsuits under the federal government's jurisdiction such as intellectual property and maritime law. It also has concurrent jurisdiction with the superior trial courts of the Provinces to hear civil lawsuits brought against the federal government. The Federal Court also has jurisdiction to determine inter-jurisidctional legal actions between the federal government and a province, or between different provinces, provided the province in question has passed corresponding legislation granting the Federal Court jurisdiction over the dispute. Also the Federal Courts have the power to review decisions, orders, and other administrative actions of most federal boards, commissions, and tribunals. That means most federal government can be challenged in the federal court. Also with the Federal Court, the system may refer back to questions of law, jurisdiction,or price to one of the federal courts at any stage of proceeding.