Criminal Defence Law Blog
In Ontario, police lay charges and send them to the Crown Attorney to prosecute. Overcharging is intentional in expectation of Crown screening after the fact and to allow for the expected negotiations between the Crown and defence.
Nearly half of all criminal charges in Ontario are withdrawn or tossed out before trial, according to new research, prompting calls for reforms to how charges are laid.
Source: Courts most crowded in provinces where police lay charges without Crown’s help
Good advice. Period.
1. Be nice.
2. Invest in your reputation.
3. Stay for coffee.
4. Find mentors, great and small.
5. Prepare prepare prepare
6. Own your mistakes.
7. Just keep learning.
I recently read Adam Dodek’s post for Slaw entitled “Letter to A Future Lawyer” where he provides some great words of advice to those being called to the bar. The piece reminded me of a document that I kept on my laptop during my ar
A view from a career on the bench. I agree with all of his observations.
Source: Kopf’s Top Ten Observations About Criminal Defense Lawyers | Simple Justice
AG Jeff Sessions ….”good people don’t smoke marijuana.”……wt …..?
Eliminating medical cannabis would likely push more people toward opioids.
Source: Sessions asks Congress to let him prosecute medical pot shops, patients
One can choose to oppose change or one can embrace it. As the Provinces petitioned the SCC for more flexibility and tolerance in determining if a delay is unreasonable in criminal cases the Court reminded them of the present “culture of complacency” and directed them to accept change and comply.
Source: R. v. Cody – SCC Cases (Lexum)
TPS CONTINUE TO RAID MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES – They leave the door open and complain when someone walks through it. It’s pretty clear that TPS spokesman Mark Pugash is offended by people making money. Makes you wonder if he has a personal investment in a licensed provider corporation?
Only a year to go to legalization…
Source: Toronto Police Call Out Weed Dispensaries As Money-Hungry, Criminal Organizations
THE JORDAN EFFECT – One can choose to resist or one can choose to embrace change. I agree with Christie here but we’ll have to wait to see how or if these recommendations become change.
The committee never explicitly says that prison should be for the few, not the many, but it’s that principle that drives its cry for reform
Source: Christie Blatchford: Senate report on court delays gets at big truths about criminal justice system
IT’S LEGAL AGAIN TO DUEL – Yay! Get your duelling pistols out. Really, it’s a good thing. The government is finally cleaning up the outdated and irrelevant sections of the Criminal Code.
Fans of witchcraft and crime comics will be stoked, too.
Source: It Will Soon Be Legal To Challenge Your Nemesis To A Duel In Canada
They stole property and lied about it in court. Kim Schofield tracked down a video that put the lie to their story. Great lawyering! Yes. This stuff goes on.
Source: Peel cop stole statue of Tony Montana from drug dealer’s locker, judge rules | Toronto Star
