You have the right to self-defence, within reasonable limits
A home invasion in Halifax late last year provides a good example of what is permissible under Canada’s self-defence laws.
Sex work remains a difficult issue for Canadians
When it comes to legal issues surrounding sex work in Canada, there are no easy answers.
SCC makes laudable changes to sex offenders registry
The Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) should be commended for its decision to strike down a law that automatically added those accused of designated sexual offences to the national sex registry.
Conditional sentences are punitive and fair
In early November I was disappointed to learn the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) restored provisions in the Criminal Code in R. v Sharma, stating that conditional sentences cannot be given for crimes that carry maximum sentences of at least 14 years in prison, or 10 years in drug-related cases.
Online fraud is a growing concern
Online fraud encompasses a variety of cybercrimes carried out over the Internet or e-mail.
Canada may soon prosecute crimes on the Moon
Canadian criminal law stretches well beyond our borders, thanks to extradition agreements with other countries. But people may not know that the long arm of our law will soon extend all the way to the Moon.
SCC ruling provides clarity about sexual assault and condoms
I am not surprised the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) ruled in June that people who don't wear condoms during sex after their sexual partners told them to can be convicted of sexual assault. In Ontario, to the best of my knowledge, that was the way this situation was handled even before this judgement.
SCC ruling on third-party records
The decision by the nation’s highest court to uphold rape shield provisions that were ruled unconstitutional by two lower courts is disconcerting to many defence counsel as it limits our ability to defend clients.
Parole: A bridge between prison and the community
Parole is meant to be a carefully constructed bridge between incarceration and a return to the community.
What is Canada’s Emergencies Act?
On Feb. 14, 2022, the federal government invoked the Emergencies Act for the first time since its passing in 1988.
