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We don’t need a new criminal charge of ‘femicide’
We don’t need a new criminal charge of ‘femicide’

Late last year, the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) started using the term “femicide” in its public statements, even though an OPS advisory committee had not yet finalized its definition of the word.

How a sentence is determined
How a sentence is determined

After an accused is convicted, the judge’s next task is to arrive at an appropriate sentence. This is a complex process since the circumstances surrounding offences are never the same and there are many factors the court must take into consideration.

What You Say Online Can Come Back to Haunt You
What You Say Online Can Come Back to Haunt You

Social media has transformed the way people communicate with each other. Young people in particular rely on text messages or platforms such as Snapchat to communicate because it is so easy.

SCC makes laudable changes to sex offenders registry
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
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.

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