Morgan Franklin Watts appointed as new Prothonotary

Morgan Franklin Watts has been appointed as the Prothonotary of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Prince Edward Island.

The prothonotary serves as the chief legal officer of the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court of Prince Edward Island. This role is essential to ensuring the courts operate as effectively and efficiently as possible.

“I congratulate Morgan Watts on his appointment. His knowledge and skills are a great fit for this important position with the Courts.”
— Bloyce Thompson, Justice and Public Safety Minister 

The prothonotary can oversee small claims mediation, acting as the Registrar of the Courts and working closely with the Rules Committee for the Court of Appeal and Supreme Courts.

“Morgan replaces Karen Rose, who is retiring this year,” said Minister Thompson. “I extend best wishes to Karen on her retirement. She has done excellent work, and I thank her for her service.”

The appointment of Morgan Watts as Prothonotary is effective May 30 for a ten-year period.  

Media contact:
Katie Cudmore
Department of Justice and Public Safety
902-314-3996
katiecudmore@gov.pe.ca

Backgrounder:

Biography

Morgan Watts graduated from the University of Prince Edward Island with a Bachelor of Science with Honours in 2013, and a Juris Doctor degree in law from the University of New Brunswick in 2017. He was admitted to the Law Society of Prince Edward Island in 2018. 

Mr. Watts began working for the provincial government in 2020, starting with PEI Family Legal Aid. 

He was appointed Acting Deputy Prothonotary in 2024, later appointed Deputy Prothonotary and was appointed as Prothonotary in May 2026.