Criminal
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March 13, 2025
Hartman defence showcases complicated factors in determining appropriate sentence
Judges in criminal cases often say that sentencing is the most challenging part of their work. It requires them to balance a dichotomy and find harmony and effectiveness when dealing with seemingly opposite or contradictory ideas or concepts.
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March 13, 2025
APPEALS - Grounds - Bias - Misapprehension of or failure to consider evidence
Appeal by Vandewater from conviction for second-degree murder. Vandewater killed his cellmate Van Camp while both were incarcerated at a federal penitentiary.
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March 12, 2025
The legal stage: Exploring famous operas with legal themes | Connie L. Braun
Opera originated in Italy during the late 16th century to present a positive image of the ruler and his court to visiting dignitaries. With grand narratives and emotional depth, opera has long been a medium through which complex societal issues are explored.
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March 11, 2025
Yukon seeking input on upgrading Human Rights Act
Yukon’s government is inviting residents to “share their thoughts” on proposed “improvements” to its human rights legislation.
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March 11, 2025
Two new appointments made to Ontario courts
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Arif Virani has announced that two judges have been appointed to new positions in courts in Ontario.
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March 11, 2025
Saskatchewan Appeal Court reaffirms judge need not be ‘sphinx’
Past behaviour is the best predictor of future behaviour. That is a precept often heard at parole board hearings. Tyler Robert Vandewater appeared via video link in Miramichi, New Brunswick provincial court on Feb. 27, 2012, and pleaded guilty to an assault that took place Nov. 19, 2010, in the Atlantic Renous Institution.
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March 10, 2025
Saskatchewan balks at expansion of federal gun ban
Saskatchewan's government is objecting to the recent expansion of the federal firearms ban, insisting it hurts law-abiding gun owners.
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March 10, 2025
Iranians face more bans as Ottawa expands scope of sanctions to all Iran’s ‘malign activities’
Ottawa has imposed dealings and immigration bans on Iranian business people and companies connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC’s) weapons production and sales, in a move that also expands the range of Iranian activities that can be sanctioned under the federal Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations.
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March 10, 2025
Two judicial appointments made to B.C. courts
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Arif Virani has announced that Justice Heather MacNaughton has been appointed to the Court of Appeal for British Columbia in Vancouver as a Justice of Appeal, while Justice Julia E. Lawn has been appointed to the Supreme Court of British Columbia in Vancouver as a judge. The appointments are effective as of Jan. 1 and March 7, respectively.
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March 10, 2025
Procedural errors lead to successful appeal bid
“Hard cases make bad law” is an adage dating back to 1837. It stands for the proposition that cases that spark moral outrage should not be used as precedent for sentencing. Caleb Nettleton is no stranger to cases that result in moral outrage. While not the subject of comment in the most recent judgment, Nettleton's history suggests the Crown’s patience with this offender was likely strained.