Access to Justice
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April 17, 2025
Here’s what happens when a sentencing judge considers the why and not the what
Our courts are clogged. Guilty pleas are often accepted to expedite matters and free up court time. However, a recent decision of Justice Brock Jones of the Ontario Court of Justice demonstrates how justice should be applied in the hurly-burly of crowded courtrooms.
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April 17, 2025
Ontario’s civil procedure overhaul: From fishing expeditions to reliance-based disclosure
Ontario’s civil justice system is on the cusp of its most sweeping transformation in over a century. The Civil Rules Review 2025, launched by Chief Justice Geoffrey Morawetz and Attorney General Doug Downey, is not simply tinkering at the edges — it’s a fundamental reimagining of how litigation is conducted in this province.
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April 16, 2025
Alberta bill raising concerns about political interference in legal system funding
Legal observers in Alberta are raising alarm bells about provincial legislation that they say would lead to political interference in funding decisions for access to justice initiatives, but the province is saying some of the concerns are being “unfairly and inaccurately” mischaracterized.
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April 16, 2025
Jazz and blues: A global musical journey through justice and injustice
Jazz and blues, two of the world’s most influential music genres, have long served as powerful mediums for storytelling and social commentary. These genres often delve into themes that reflect the complex interplay between law, society and individual lives.
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April 16, 2025
Case illustrates challenges faced by self-represented litigant in Appeal Court
We have all heard the claim of a disgruntled litigant seeking to reverse an undesired outcome: “I’ll take it to the Supreme Court!” However, it takes a great deal of money to appeal an adverse decision to that level. What if one lacks the funds to hire a lawyer? Should justice be denied if judicial error has been made?
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April 15, 2025
Court of Appeal rules government ban on peaceful assembly is unconstitutional
The recent Ontario Court of Appeal decision Hillier v. Ontario, 2025 ONCA 259 has wide-reaching implications on whether the government can implement an absolute ban on peaceful assembly in times of emergency such as during a pandemic.
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April 15, 2025
New CBA course aims to aid legal professionals in serving trans clients
During one of the most hostile periods in recent history for trans rights, the Canadian Bar Association has launched an online course to help legal professionals better serve trans people.
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April 15, 2025
Rules review recommendations would ‘fundamentally change’ framework for Ontario civil claims: lawyer
A revamp of Ontario’s justice system could soon be in the offing after a task force set up to look at the province’s Rules of Civil Procedure recommended a number of changes that would have a major impact on legal practice.
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April 15, 2025
Amicus program supporting self-represented litigants relaunched
The Court of Appeal of Ontario and Pro Bono Ontario (PBO) have announced the relaunch of PBO’s Amicus at the Court of Appeal Program.
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April 15, 2025
Sex assault appeal focuses on definition of mens rea
The complainant testified that between April 1, 2017, and the Victoria Day holiday, the 15-year-old girl was invited to touch a part of a 57-year-old man’s body. Further, she stated, he exposed his genitalia to her and sent explicit nude photos of himself and other women by electronic messaging. Ultimately, the young woman claimed she was sexually assaulted.