“Ford and Downey have passed a law they know will be struck down, so they can launch a performative attack when it is. And in doing so, they deliberately undermine confidence in courts, plow under the Charter and civil liberties, and use real human suffering to manufacture a political grievance. Ontario’s cash bail law will …
Author archives: Dennis Reeve
Canadian debt is shaping who can afford to defend the law
Public-interest law cannot thrive if graduates cannot afford to pursue it The road to the professions of law and medicine has always been long and expensive. They are not for everyone. The necessary standards are not easily achieved without long, hard work and sacrifice, but, if attained, they result in a certain level of privilege. …
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UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES OF DOUG FORD’S FORAY INTO CRIMINAL LAW
Excerpts from The Star: Bail for a $1 coin? Inside the chaotic first week of Ontario’s controversial cash bail system In courtrooms across the Toronto area this week, the Star has watched as judges and justices of the peace have at times pushed back against the Ontario government’s new bail regime. In practice, the rules …
Continue reading “UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES OF DOUG FORD’S FORAY INTO CRIMINAL LAW”
“LILLEY: Carney-appointed judge rejects Ontario cash bail rule in human trafficking caseToronto Sun”This sort of headline really bothers me because it is inferring, American style, that our Judges are not impartial and are beholden or loyal to whatever political party or politician appointed them. It is incorrect, misleading and offensive. Canada is not America. Let’s keep it that way.
Beginning on Monday, if you’re arrested, you will only be granted bail if you pay cash to the Province of Ontario. That’s right – the poor, the homeless, the ill and the disadvantaged will be jailed because they don’t have money. This is Doug FORD’S Ontario, even though criminal law is federal jurisdiction, not provincial. This is unconstitutional, hateful and a step towards Trumpism. After all, FORD has to populate his new jails. Speak up about this tragedy. Let Doug FORD know!
THE POLITICS OF FEAR – crime is rampant and you should be afraid but we’ll fix it by being “tough on crime”. Now you’re safe. You’re welcome.
“Multiple political parties have concluded that “being tough on crime is a winning strategy that has public appeal and will gather them votes and so they are leaning into it,” Latimer said. “Rather than correcting misperceptions about the actual levels of crime, they’re feeding the misperception.” https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/article/falling-crime-numbers-raise-questions-about-ottawas-tough-on-crime-bills
OUR COURTS ARE THE LAST BASTION OF DEFENCE BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS AND POLICE MISCONDUCT.
Recent headlines in the news in Toronto: 1. Charges stayed because a police officer decided to gratuitously kick a suspect in the face while on the ground, knocking out a tooth and breaking his jaw. 2. Police officers charged with criminal offences for running over individuals on ebikes with their cruiser. 3. The “public must …
My lawyer son gifted me this voluminous legal treatise on the Maritime Law of Liechtenstein. I have read it many times now and I think I’m grasping not only the basic concept but also some of the many nuances.
IS DECRIMINALIZATION OF DRINKING AND DRIVING OFFENCES A GOOD IDEA?
In Ontario driving while impaired or with 80 mg. or more of alcohol in 100 milliliters of your blood is a criminal offence. Upon arrest, your driver’s license will be suspended for 90 days and your vehicle will be impounded. Later, in court, if you are convicted or plead guilty, in the simplest case, the …
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IT’S BEEN 10 YEARS SINCE THE S.C.C. GAVE COURTS 18 MONTHS AND 30 MONTHS, RESPECTIVELY, TO CONCLUDE CRIMINAL CASES. THAT IS NOT “QUICK” TO AN ACCUSED OR A VICTIM. WHY CAN’T THE GOVERNMENT COMPLY WITH THIS CONSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENT?
“10 years after Jordan ruling, Quebec prosecutors forced to make ‘heartbreaking’ choices” “On the wider spectrum, [the Jordan framework] is a positive decision. That being said, there’s a downside to it. The problem is that the resources did not follow,” he said. The ruling set time limits for criminal trials to ensure an accused person’s …