Criminal
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May 08, 2025
Prisons and pets
In my practice as a prison law lawyer, I encountered a situation that has received little notice. I found that many inmates who were recently incarcerated struggled more with the loss of their pet than with being sent to prison.
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May 07, 2025
Ontario ransomware case redefines privacy breach
A recent privacy complaint brought before the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario has broadened the definition of what constitutes a privacy breach for Ontario’s public sector organizations.
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May 07, 2025
Successful appeal includes ‘air of reality’ defence
Two Moose Jaw, Sask., men had a violent encounter. Vincent William Picken was convicted of second-degree murder for fatally stabbing Shaun Holmes in 2020. Picken claimed he acted in self-defence after Holmes allegedly assaulted him and set his dog on him.
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May 06, 2025
Saskatchewan court examines self-defence and provocation in murder case
The argument of provocation is not always incompatible with that of self-defence — and, in some cases, the former can be caused by fear, and not just anger or rage. So says the lawyer of a Saskatchewan man who allegedly killed an acquaintance after being threatened with an aggressive dog.
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May 06, 2025
Ontario Court of Justice appoints 11 new judges
The Ontario government has announced the appointment of 11 new judges to the Ontario Court of Justice, effective May 14, 2025.
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May 06, 2025
The true meaning of remorse
There is a word used every day in the criminal courtroom that one rarely hears in ordinary conversation: remorse.
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May 06, 2025
Sex assault sentencing decision a model for joint submissions, fairness
Constantin Vlachias tried very hard to put his life back together. But in September 2021, his past caught up with him.
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May 06, 2025
Complex nature of employment investigation in educational institutions
Workplace investigations at educational institutions can be more challenging because of the intricacies of the sector.
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May 05, 2025
Nunavut court approves $8M class-action settlement in case of sex abuse by teacher
The Nunavut Court of Justice has approved a class-action settlement of $8 million on behalf of individuals who were subjected to sexual abuse by a teacher while attending Nunavut schools.
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May 05, 2025
Minister of justice’s role, the rule of law and efficiency
When the minister of justice for Canada is sworn in as part of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new cabinet, will the oath of office again include the obligation to ensure that public administration is consistent with the law? This reflects the statutory obligation under s. 4(a) of the Department of Justice Act. However, there is some confusion about what that duty entails and how it should be discharged by the minister and the Justice Department.