Justice-Quebec.ca | Judicial Ethics | February 24, 2026
In a professional environment where institutional authority shapes every interaction, a judge's words and gestures carry exceptional weight. That is precisely the context the Conseil de la magistrature du Québec relied upon in ordering a formal investigation into Judge Denis Paradis of the Criminal and Penal Division of the Court of Québec.
The decision to investigate was rendered on February 10, 2026, following a complaint filed by a manager from the Ministry of Justice whose identity has been redacted.
A Judge Appointed in 2012, Specializing in Criminal Law
Judge Denis Paradis holds a bachelor's degree in history and a bachelor's degree in law from the Université de Sherbrooke. He was appointed to the Court of Québec in December 2012 by then-Minister of Justice Bertrand St-Arnaud. He has since served in the Criminal and Penal Division — the chamber that handles all criminal and penal matters, from first appearance through sentencing.
Over the years, he has presided over high-profile cases, including the preliminary inquiry in the Claude Doiron case, involving the former spokesperson for the Sûreté du Québec who was accused of sexual assault on a minor.
As of September 1, 2025, Judge Paradis had been designated as Assistant Coordinating Judge for the Bas-Saint-Laurent–Côte-Nord–Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine region, for a two-year term — a regional judicial management role entrusted by the Chief Justice to experienced judges.
The Allegations: Gestures and Words in a Position of Authority
According to the Conseil de la magistrature's decision of February 10, 2026, the complainant — a Ministry of Justice manager whose identity is protected — alleges that the judge adopted, "on certain occasions," personal conduct likely to cause discomfort. The alleged facts involve gestures and words of a sexual nature that occurred in a professional context.
The central element retained by the Conseil is the nature of the relationship involved: an institutional authority dynamic between a judge and a judicial system employee.
The complaint alleges that the conduct in question would be "incompatible with the requirements of reserve, courtesy and restraint to which judges are held" — obligations set out in Article 8 of the Code of Judicial Ethics.
The Judge Acknowledges Some Conduct, Denies Malicious Intent
In his observations submitted to the Conseil, Judge Paradis does not contest all of the alleged facts. He acknowledges having made certain gestures and statements that he himself admits were inappropriate, while maintaining he had "no malicious intent." He further states that he has "learned from the situation."
The Conseil, in its decision, clarifies that its role at this stage is not to determine the merits of the allegations or weigh the evidence definitively, "but to determine whether the alleged facts and the judge's comments are of a nature to raise serious questions regarding a judge's compliance with his ethical obligations."
Its conclusion is unambiguous: "These facts raise serious questions in connection with the judge's ethical obligations."
Procedural Timeline: The Process Is Underway
The first case management conference in this matter was held on Monday, February 23, 2026 — the day before this article was published. The next one is already scheduled for May 13, 2026.
The file is following the procedural path established by the Act respecting the courts of justice: following the examination of the complaint and the decision to investigate, an independent inquiry committee is struck. At the conclusion of the inquiry, the Conseil may impose a reprimand on the judge, or — in the most serious cases — recommend to the Minister of Justice that the judge be removed from office, a decision ultimately made by the Lieutenant Governor in Council.
A Case That Does Not Stand Alone
The Paradis matter arises in a broader context of heightened ethical scrutiny within the Quebec judiciary. In December 2025, the Conseil opened an investigation into Judge Denise Descôteaux for aggressive conduct toward court staff — her fourth disciplinary proceeding in under a decade. Judge Serge Champoux of Granby is also under investigation for contemptuous remarks directed at a defence lawyers' association.
The Paradis case is nonetheless distinct in nature: allegations of sexually-tinged conduct within an institutional authority relationship represent a particularly sensitive category of ethical breach, both in terms of public trust in the judiciary and the protection of those who work within the court system.
Nor is it without precedent in Canada. In 2025, Justice Bernard Tremblay of the Superior Court received an official warning from the Canadian Judicial Council following a sexual harassment complaint filed by a former court employee — a proceeding that brought into sharp focus the vulnerability of those working in judicial environments to inappropriate conduct by those who hold authority within them.
The Presumption of Innocence Remains
It bears emphasizing: at this stage, Judge Denis Paradis has not been found guilty of any wrongdoing. The Conseil de la magistrature's decision to open an investigation constitutes neither a finding of fault nor an admission of misconduct. It means only that the allegations are sufficiently serious to warrant a thorough examination by an independent inquiry committee.
Judge Paradis continues to exercise his judicial functions during the pendency of the proceedings, in accordance with standard procedure.
Sources: Droit-Inc., February 24, 2026 — Conseil de la magistrature du Québec — Court of Québec, organizational chart as of September 1, 2025 — Droit-Inc., appointment December 2012 — Radio-Canada, Claude Doiron case, April 2024 — Act respecting the courts of justice, CQLR c T-16 — Code of Judicial Ethics
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