An iron fist in a velvet glove? Lawyers and criminologists weigh in on Liberal changes to the justice system.
Source: Harper was tough on crime, Trudeau promised a new approach — did he deliver?
THE CALL TO DECRIMINALIZE SEX WORK – The Harper government revamped prostitution laws purporting to protect sex workers. It has done nothing if not make the situation more dangerous for sex workers. The Liberals promised to repeal that law but Jody Wilson Raybould just didn’t bother.
The Liberals previously called for the Harper-era prostitution laws to be repealed. But nothing changed after they took office.
Source: Demands grow for Canada to decriminalize sex work after the election
JURY TRIALS ARE EXTREMELY COMPLEX PROCEEDINGS
For example, in a challenge for cause in jury selection what are the differences between and the advantages of static triers and rotating triers? A mistake here could mean a new trial.
Do you agree that the impact for victims of sexual assault is different than other types of injuries in terms of pecuniary damages/non-pecuniary damages? You can vote your opinion here.
In a sexual assault case, D.S. v. Quesnelle, the Ontario Superior Court awarded general damages in excess of the $350,000 cap established by the “trilogy,” with Justice Clyde Smith finding the cap should not apply because of the inherent differences in sexual assault compared with other injuries. Do you agree that the impact for victims of sexual assault is different than other types of injuries in terms of pecuniary damages/non-pecuniary damages?
https://www.lawtimesnews.com/poll/cap-on-damages-in-sexual-abuse-cases/746
WAS IT WORTH COMING FORWARD ABOUT SEXUAL ASSAULT? – Testimonials of women who have been through the process. Very informative reading.
Twenty-five people who reported sexual assault and harassment talk about what happened after they spoke up and everyone else moved on.
Source: Coming Forward About Sexual Assault, and What Comes After
YORK REGIONAL OFF DUTY OFFICER CHARGED WITH IMPAIRED DRIVING AND HIT AND RUN – YRP have a policy of publishing the names of persons charged with impaired driving as I expect they will with this one. The Chief says: “As law enforcement professionals, we are in a position of trust and we are rightfully held to a higher standard by members of our community.” Their video parody “L’Hotel de York Regional Police” doesn’t seem quite so cute now. https://globalnews.ca/video/rd/1412007491764/?jwsource=cl
“For those members who do not uphold our values and make the unforgivable decision to drive while impaired, they will be held accountable for their actions without exception.”
Source: York police say off-duty officer charged with impaired driving after hit-and-run in Markham
Can A President Be Impeached On ‘Hearsay’ Evidence? – “There’s a high likelihood that your conservative friends and family members have become lawyers overnight without so much as incurring a single cent of student loan debt, and they’re all too happy to grace you with their expert-level knowledge of constitutional law.”
Please enjoy this lesson on Hearsay 101.
Canadians banned from U.S.Dos and don’ts at the border. – I found this to be a very informative article.
A spate of travel bans against Canadians by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents is drawing attention to the increased scrutiny some are encountering, and prompting questions over what travellers can do to mitigate potential difficulties.
Source: Canadians banned from U.S.: Dos and don’ts at the border
REVERSE DISCLOSURE IN SEXUAL ASSAULT CASES – Already this is problematic. Justice Breen decided that the complainant must testify in chief before the defence has to present the evidence in a mid-trial hearing of admissability. “Reverse disclosure by defence lawyers who say that exposing their defence material in advance will undermine fair trials. With the complainants being permitted access to defence records and their trial strategy in advance, the witness could “tailor” testimony to avoid impeachment.” and “This combination of new rules passed by Bill C-51 combined with the elimination of preliminary hearings by Bill C-75 could make sexual assault trials even more difficult to complete within the time limits set by Supreme Court in the Jordan ruling.” Thank you JWR.
“The integrity of a witness and the credibility of their testimony are brought into question when they gain access to relevant information prior to testifying.”
The Retirement Fund
