The high-profile sexual assault trial involving five former members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior hockey team—Michael McLeod, Dillon Dubé, Carter Hart, Cal Foote, and Alex Formenton—has taken a significant turn. Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia dismissed the jury after allegations surfaced that defense attorneys were mocking jurors, leading to concerns about impartiality. As a result, the trial will proceed as a judge-alone proceeding. 

Facing sexual assault charges is one of the most challenging and life-altering experiences anyone can endure. The legal complexities, stigma, and potential consequences, including imprisonment and mandatory registration on the sex offender registry, make these cases particularly daunting.

Facing sexual assault charges is a serious and often life-changing experience, especially when the case becomes high-profile.

The law struggles to keep up with the use of technology when it comes to crime.

A recent media report noted that crime in Canada has increased for the second consecutive year, with violent crime reaching its highest point since 2007.

Proposed legislation introduced by the Liberal government at the end of April addresses changes to the National Sex Offender Registry.

The testimony of the complainant and the accused was once the key evidence in many sexual assault cases, with the court left to decide who was telling the truth.

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.

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.

Turned allegations of sexual assault (from groping to rape) into a crime before the accused have had the opportunity to defend themselves in court.