Canadian Bar Association denounces rapper Classified's criticism of rape sentence

The Canadian Bar Association's Newfoundland and Labrador branch says a "personal attack" by a Nova Scotia rapper is out of bounds.

The branch issued a press release this week that didn't mention LukeBoyd, who performs as Classified, by name but denounced his recent criticism of a five-year sentence given to a St. John's man who pleaded guilty tobrutally raping an 11-year-old girl.

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"The recent personal attack of a Justice of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador following a sentence in a sexual assault case is inappropriate and threatens judicial independence," saidthe statement.

Boyd said Justice William Goodridge"needs to be put on trial and explain himself," and posted the judge's email address on his Facebook Page. "I hope people raise as much a fuss about this guy as they do about the dog law let's not let this just go under the bus and go on with our lives."

"The Canadian judicial system is open and transparent," said the bar association's statement.

"All Canadians have a right to know what is happening in the courts, how justice is administered, and to be critical of court decisions. However, personal attacks on judges threaten their independence and ability to deliver justice effectively."