Criminal
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November 01, 2024
Narrow, complex decision has SCC decide on eligibility for preliminary hearings
Canada’s Supreme Court has ruled that two men accused of sex crimes and each facing a maximum of 10 years in prison were entitled to preliminary inquiries — even though legislative changes made during their criminal proceedings restricted such hearings to those facing a maximum of 14 years.
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November 01, 2024
Ontario proposes new law targeting fraudulent vehicle registrations
The Ontario government is proposing legislation to create a new provincial offence for fraudulent vehicle registrations as part of a multi-pronged effort to reduce vehicle theft.
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November 01, 2024
Judicial council’s 1st ‘guidelines’ for AI use by judges & courts highlight risks, advise caution
The Canadian Judicial Council (CJC) is advising courts to exercise caution when using artificial intelligence (AI) tools given the potential risks, including entangling the judiciary in “legal complexities,” such as the infringement of copyright or violation of privacy laws.
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November 01, 2024
Ontario bail reform proposals ‘mostly meritless,’ Criminal Lawyers’ Association head says
Members of the legal community are raising alarm bells over a call from the Ontario government for Ottawa to make significant changes to Canada’s bail system, with observers saying they not only attack due process but also would undermine the Charter, which guarantees the right not to be denied reasonable bail.
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November 01, 2024
2 judicial appointments announced for Ontario
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Arif Virani announced the appointment of Scott N. Latimer and Amy J. Ohler as judges of the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario, a Nov. 1 news release announced.
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November 01, 2024
STATUTES - Retroactivity and retrospectivity - Vested rights
Appeal by the Crown from a judgment of the Quebec Court of Appeal which set aside judgments from the Superior Court of Quebec. Respondents were charged with indictable offences that carried maximum sentences of 14 years of imprisonment. Those offences had been punishable by a maximum of ten years at the time they were allegedly committed, entitling the respondents to a preliminary inquiry.
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November 01, 2024
APPEALS - Grounds - Question of fact
Appeal by Daniels against his murder conviction on the ground that trial judge failed to consider a defence of intoxication supported by evidence and failed to provide reasons for a finding that he intended to kill Fernuk. Evidence showed the appellant met Fernuk at a gas station, and Fernuk was later found dead, tied to a chair in his apartment with ligatures around his neck. The chair had been tipped backwards and Fernuk's head was on the floor.
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October 31, 2024
Alberta proposes 10-fold increase in fines to curtail growing illegal meat trade
The Alberta government is threatening to hit the processors of uninspected meat with fines of up to $100,000 in a bid to crack down on a growing trade in the illegal food.
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October 31, 2024
Rising cyber crime driven by ransomware attacks, state actors like China, says report
Canadian organizations and individuals are increasingly threatened by cybersecurity attacks, with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) representing by far the most active and sophisticated state-sponsored danger, according to a report by the Ottawa-area-based Canadian Centre for Cyber Security.
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October 31, 2024
Speakers at Manitoba A2J conference call for more prison libraries
Many of Canada’s provinces should take cues from Ottawa and move to properly recognize the need for libraries in prisons, say speakers at a recent event in Manitoba.