The ReeveLaw Blog

This has been a significant problem for a long time in Ontario.  Here is the proposed legislation:

Source: Police Record Checks In Ontario

What police forces enter on CPIC and reveal to American customs officers and on PRCs to employers has and continues to cause a lot of problems. “Some police routinely disclose non-conviction information (e.g. acquittals and withdrawn charges) and non-criminal information (e.g. mental health incidents). These disclosures can unfairly affect an individual’s employment and volunteer opportunities.” See what the Information and Privacy Commissioner (pages 8-10) has to say. A court challenge is pending and our Premier has promised to address this issue with legislation – the sooner the better.

Information and Privacy Commissioner Annual Report

It’s no joke.

Source: What does swatting mean? – Business Insider

Let’s be clear: they are not admissible as evidence in Canadian courts. Here’s one reason: “Cop Faces Up To 100 Years For Training Customers To Lie During Polygraph Exams!”

Source: Courthouse News Service

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/story/2013/07/10/ottawa-walmart-hot-cars-vehicles-dogs-animals-worker-fired-cheney-parking-lot-customer.html?cmp=rss

Apparently you can get fired for reporting it. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/wal-mart-employee-fired-after-reporting-dog-in-hot-truck-1.1347231?cmp=rss

Source: The Barrister Brief: Animal Law: What to Do If You Witness a Dog (or Other Animal) in a Hot Car

Harper has imposed a mandatory fine upon every single criminal conviction in addition to whatever other penalty is imposed, no matter what the circumstances. This may be okay if you’re financially well off but for this defendant “who had addiction issues, was homeless and lived on $250 per month in social assistance”, it was a problem. Justice “Glass, who earns $308,000 annually as a Superior Court judge” doesn’t think so. We, the members of the Criminal Lawyers Association don’t agree. This is why we’re joining the appeal.

Source: Victim surcharges ‘entrench cyle of poverty’: lawyer

ONE PERSON’S EXPERIENCE WITH DUTY COUNSEL – If you are arrested and want to exercise your right to get legal advice but don’t know a lawyer then you can speak with duty counsel for free. Legal Aid contracts out the service to the Sykes Corp. who hires lawyer(s) to answer the phone and provide this service. This lawyer was “the ONLY duty counsel available in Ontario” when this person was arrested. You can read about the level of service she was given.

Source: Case thrown out due to duty counsel’s rudeness

For those who think they won’t be able to get a job if they have a criminal record, it’s not true.  Here are a couple of good practical answers.

Every job these days seems to require a criminal background check

Source: I’ve got a criminal record. How can I get a job? – The Globe and Mail

Why didn’t anyone tell you about the sleepless nights that sometimes go along with small-firm practice? Here’s more information you should have before hanging a shingle.

Source: The ‘Bloody Nipples’ Of SmallLaw, Or What They Didn’t Tell Me | Above the Law