SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Judge Brian Bruser, known for his strict, fair courtrooms and witty turns of phrase, is stepping down as chief judge of the territorial court.

Announced Sept. 22, Bruser, 62, left the position on Friday.

The Yellowknife law community is sorry to see Judge Bruser retire, however, he and his family say they will remain in the North. - photo courtesy of Deborah Bruser Choice Bruser soundbites After a man ran from the courthouse while awaiting trial: You can escape the courthouse, but you can never escape justice. After an angry man threw his chicken dinner at a police officer in a restaurant in Yellowknife: Const. Allooloo has the responsibility to serve and protect. And I don't mean to serve food. To a repeat offender: You can cry all you want. The court is not here to counsel you. About a shoplifter who stole clam chowder, strawberries and beef jerky from a grocery store: Did he have something to drink with that meal? Dessert? To a man who kicked a police officer: If you want to live this way, you can go to Iraq.

"We're sorry to see him go," said Karen Lajoie, president of the NWT Law Society, "He's had quite the career up here."

Bruser, a long-time Northerner, took up the post on Jan. 24, 2005. While serving as a lawyer for 15 years before being called to the bench in 1989, he had a dedicated, meticulous approach, says Garth Malakoe, who worked with Bruser when they were both practising law in the late 1980s.

"He was known as someone who had a good sense of humour, capable of a good practical joke," Malakoe says.

After Bruser was called to the bench, Malakoe often appeared before him as a defence lawyer.

"He is committed to the law. He pays a lot of attention to detail. I always found that he's fair to everyone in the system," Malakoe said, adding that as a judge Bruser treated everyone the same, whether addressing the accused or a Crown prosecutor.

"I think he's a very patient, very inquisitive judge," said Glen Boyd, who has appeared in Bruser's courtroom many times in the 12 years he has been a lawyer in the NWT.

"Judge Bruser is always interested to know the details of things. I think he always liked as much information as possible before he made his decisions."

Elaine Keenan Bengts, a longtime Yellowknife lawyer, said the chief judge is known for a strict style of governance.

"He keeps a pretty tight fist over the court; keeps good order in the court," she said.

Bruser's long career in the Northern justice system, including his 20 years as a judge, made a difference, said Keenan Bengts.

"He understands the North and understands the people of the North," she said.

Judge Robert Gorin has been appointed to take over as chief judge.

"I am certain that under his leadership, our territorial court will continue to meet the needs of NWT residents," said Justice Minister Jackson Lafferty, in a press release.

Gorin has been a territorial court judge since 2005.

"I think he'll be an excellent chief judge," said Boyd. "He has a great knowledge of the law."

"Judge Gorin will be good at this job," said Malakoe. "He's got a good command of what the court's all about these days, a good reputation."

Judge Bruser declined to comment on his retirement. However, his wife Deborah said, "We are remaining in the North; this is our home. We have no plans to leave."