Purpose
This Editorial Policy identifies the mandate of Law Matters and the CBA Alberta Editorial Committee and defines both the publication process and the scope for publication content.
Background
Law Matters, previously the CBA Alberta and Law Society of Alberta Newsletter, has been published since the 1970s with CBA Alberta taking over exclusive publication of the magazine in 2006. Originally a print publication with 4 – 6 issues per year, the number of print editions decreased to three in 2015 with the summer issue moving exclusively online. The final print edition was produced in August 2020, with Law Matters moving to a fully digital publication in fall 2020.
Objectives
While having regard to its place within the wider organization of the CBA Alberta Branch, the objectives of Law Matters are to:
- Uphold the CBA Mission to improve the law and administration of justice, promote access to justice, and promote equality in the legal profession and in the justice system;
- Position itself as a neutral platform for controversial legal and policy issues;
- Emphasize the relevance and significance of topics as its primary metric for choosing article content;
- Prioritize legal issues facing Alberta; and
- Recruit subject-matter experts to provide insight on the legal and policy issues surrounding each topic.
Each year, the Editorial Committee receives an annual task direction, based on the strategic plan and other Board priorities. The current task direction is appended to this policy.
Frequency
Law Matters articles are published an average of 2 – 3 times monthly, with frequency varying at the discretion of the Editorial Committee.
Distribution
Law Matters articles are published on the CBA National Magazine website at www.nationalmagazine.ca/LawMatters, and on the CBA Alberta website at www.cba-alberta.org/LawMatters. Articles are circulated to members in the CBA National Magazine monthly email, the CBA Alberta Legal Brief bi-monthly email, and on CBA Alberta and national social media channels.