Morrison Prosecution Ends

The Public Prosecution Service has informed the defence counsel for Dr. Nancy Morrison that the Crown will not appeal the Nov. 19 decision of Nova Scotia Supreme Court. The Crown will also not prefer a direct indictment against Dr. Morrison.

The Crown does not believe that Justice Jill Hamilton's decision provides the basis of an appeal. The Crown considered using a direct indictment, which would send the case directly to trial. A direct indictment is an exceptional power of the Crown, and as such is only to be used in extraordinary circumstances and then with moderation and restraint. To employ a direct indictment in this case following two successive court rulings against the Crown would not be acting with moderation and restraint and, therefore, would not be in the interests of justice.

The Mills family and the Halifax Regional Police, which originally laid a charge of first-degree murder against Dr. Morrison in Paul Mills's death, have also been advised of the Public Prosecution Service's decision.

Today's decision brings to an end any Crown action against Dr. Morrison regarding the death of Mills.