Murderer’s appearance at panel discussion for Ontario judges prompts controversy

Twenty years ago, Cosmo Jacobson was convicted of first-degree murder in the killing of a Crown witness who had been set to testify against him for charges in an earlier home-invasion case.

Last week, he participated as a speaker at a seminar for some judges on the Ontario Court of Justice in a panel about the treatment of inmates and conditions of life behind bars.

Now, some attendees are complaining. A written statement from Jason Gennaro, a spokesman for the court, said some had “expressed concerns about the panel.” Correspondence was sent to all 356 judges on the Court of Justice to acknowledge the concerns.