The Supreme Court of Canada today released its decision in R. v. Patrick, 2009 SCC 17, which concerns privacy interests in garbage and other abandoned items. The Court ruled that a police search of garbage abandoned…
Justice John Scurfield ruled Thursday that a man accused of beheading and cannibalizing a Greyhound bus passenger is not criminally responsible (“NCR”) due to mental illness. Vince Li’s trial lasted only two days and heard from…
According to the National Post, the criminal justice system in Ontario is an absolute mess. Ontario has the highest rate of failed prosecutions in Canada. In this province, approximately 40% of criminal cases are withdrawn,…
“You mean,” he said, this look of absolute unbelief working across his face, “you mean, if I’m guilty I get out today?” “Right.” “And if I’m innocent I stay locked up?” “You got it, man. …
According to the Ontario Attorney General’s website: In 1992, it took an average of 4.3 court appearances to bring a charge to completion. By last year, this figure had more than doubled to 9.2 appearances….
Last month, I discussed the potential criminal liability for the impaired operation of a motorized wheelchair in Canada. On the topic of drunken care and control of non-traditional motor vehicles, the Grand Rapids Press reports…
As part of my series on the Tackling Violent Crime Act, I’d like to discuss the new changes to the drunk driving provisions of the Criminal Code. The need for reform To begin, the extent…
It appears that law students are going to have to buy an updated Criminal Code for next year. The Harper Conservatives’ new “get tough on crime” legislation comes into full force today. The Tackling Violent…
A few months ago while listening to CBC Radio, I heard about the controversial case of a man being tried in Alberta for habitually drunk driving. The man, Raymond Yellowknee, had already been convicted of…
The New York Sun (via AP) reports that the alleged mob boss known as Vinny “Gorgeous” Basciano asked an appellate court yesterday to order the judge in his upcoming trial to step aside. The reason?…
If I have a theme for this week, I guess it would be “implied constitutional principles.” Following up on the California gay marriage ruling, I have another post today, this time from much closer to…
