Advice Scene announces the launch of a new online television show with a sitting judge, focusing on family law issues.

Family Matters showcases prominent guests from the legal community & elsewhere, in a talk show format; and it also provides educational episodes available on DVD and as downloadable iTunes episodes.

Justice Harvey Brownstone of the Ontario Court of Justice spoke on his new book, Tug of War: A Judge’s Verdict on Separation, Custody Battles and the Bitter Realities of Family Court, on what fighting couples should know about divorce and the role of courts.

Omar Ha-Redeye and Justice Brownstone

The book is the first of its kind, in that a judge is seeking to educate the public about some of the basics of family law, and what they can expect from the judicial system.

Justice Brownstone was the first openly gay judge appointed in Canada, and regularly conducts media interviews to create greater awareness about legal issues.  He also answers legal questions for the public for free on Advice Scene.

Justice Brownstone strongly recommended that couples avoid legal proceedings for their own benefit, and that of their children, and attempt to resolve things by themselves.  He generously donated all proceeds from his book to the Children’s Wish Foundation.

The event was hosted by the John Howard Society.

Canadian Idol winner and Hamilton Resident, Brian Melo, was also on hand, and did a small performance for those who were present.

Brian Melo and Omar Ha-Redeye

For Sunday 24 May 2009, this is the Law Is Cool Podcast. On today’s show, Omar Ha-Redeye’s feature interview with Nancy Kinney, creator of AdviceScene.com…

Feature Interview: Nancy Kinney of AdviceScene.com

Imagine a website that provides free legal information by connecting the public with lawyers and judges. On today’s feature interview, Omar Ha-Redeye sits down with Nancy Kinney, the creator of AdviceScene.com. Advice Scene is an innovative online destination that is doing just that. The site features a legal wiki, ask a lawyer and a morality meter that gauges attitudes about legal and political issues.

Kinney argues that lawyers should not be seen as the gatekeepers to specialized legal information; instead, legal information should be shared freely with the public. She suggests that this will help reduce the costs of litigation because clients with a better understanding of the law will be in a better position to resolve their conflicts without going to trial. Moreover, she argues that better-informed clients will be able to work in partnership with their lawyers without feeling that their lawyer has made all of the important decisions.

The response so far has been very positive. The site has attracted a number of lawyers and even an Ontario judge to participate by answering questions in an online discussion forum.