Author archives: wpengine

POTHOLES – “How can you have people found guilty when they are not impaired?” “Unlike alcohol, there are no proven links between THC blood levels and impairment.” “There is also the question of medicinal users, who would typically have elevated THC levels most or all of the time and many veteran dope smokers would be able to drive with undiminished skills at the rookie THC levels proscribed by C-46 because of their body’s greater tolerance.”

Marijuana will soon be legal in Canada. But a study from a Toronto doctor suggests the risks of pot-impaired drivers are, well, high Source: Potholes: The new fight over ‘drugged driving’ | The Star

AND NOW THE BRAMPTON COURT – It’s not only the College Park courthouse that is under pressure but also the Brampton Courthouse has problems with drug cases being tried on time…claimed to be lack of resources. “We have a retention problem because our salaries and working conditions are unfavourable compared to our counterparts,” said Ursula Hendel, president of the Association of Justice Counsel, referring to provincial Crown attorneys, who prosecute the bulk of criminal offences in Ontario.”

In less than two years, 21 narcotics cases in Brampton have collapsed. Judges and defence lawyers point to problems in the federal prosecution office. Source: Judges denounce ‘egregious’ delays at one of Canada’s busiest courthouses | The Star

THE CLOSURE OF BACKPAGES.COM – There are mixed reactions. The reactions over Backpage generally boil down to two camps: Those who believe prostitution should be illegal and those who don’t. To sex workers across the U.S. and Canada, Backpage’s demise meant the end of safeguards and a reliable revenue stream in a profession that’s not going anywhere. How is YRP going to continue to pretend to be 14-year-old prostitutes now? Craigslist? Kijiji? Eros?

To some sex workers in the U.S. and Canada, the demise of the site means the end of safeguards and a reliable revenue stream. Source: Sex workers ‘devastated,’ look to alternatives after Backpage closure

MARIJUANA AND BORDER CROSSING – You can be denied entry if you verbally admit being in possession of or smoked weed at any time in your life. “Canada’s Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale has discouraged Canadians from lying to American border guards if questioned about their marijuana use, Saunders said there can be grave consequences for being truthful — including being barred entry to the U.S. for life. Not every U.S. border agent asks travellers whether someone has consumed cannabis in their lifetime — this type of question is entirely discretionary — and Canadians are not required to answer it.” Sure. Just try to assert that right.

An immigration lawyer is warning that more Canadians could be denied entry into the U.S. after weed legalization Source: Canadians could face more scrutiny at the US Border when weed becomes legal

ELIMINATING PRELIMINARY INQUIRIES – Judges, defence lawyers and Crowns all know that preliminary inquiries already are only held in some serious cases and that they frequently result in the resolution of the case or a reduction of trial time and issues. Eliminating them is likely to result in an increased number of wrongful convictions.

Not long ago, Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould seemed hesitant to embrace the idea of eliminating preliminary inquiries as a way to reduce court backlogs. Now, things have changed. Source: Evidence behind Ottawa’s choice to cut preliminary inquiries remains elusive | CBC News

LEGAL AID UNDERFUNDING – is reaching a crisis point in England. “There is no payment at all for disclosure or the vast quantities of evidence likely to be served on us in cases going forward.” Barristers in England and Wales threaten walkout over legal aid payment changes

The 4,000 Criminal Bar Association members criticise lack of payment for new responsibilities on disclosure of evidence Source: Barristers in England and Wales threaten walkout over legal aid payment changes