In Canada, evidence can be excluded pursuant to a constitutional violation under section 24(2) of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, but only where it was “obtained in a manner”. What does this term mean? It’s explained in this video.
Courtroom Therapy Dogs (10mins)
In this video blog, I take a look at three recent cases which are Canada’s first efforts to permit therapy dogs into the courtroom. I then discuss why this is such a great idea, even if the legal reasoning in these cases could be criticized.
Anita Krajnc Trial – Part 2: The Definition of Mischief (10mins)
In this video blog, which follows up on my lengthier analysis of the charges against activist Anita Krajnc, who gave water to a pig in transport, I assess whether the particularized charge against her – interfering with the enjoyment of the pig – can be established.
Anita Kranjc Trial: Mischief for Giving Pigs Water? (20mins)
The Anita Kranjc trial is underway, and it has already raised a host of good legal questions. I explore them in this video blog. What is she being charged with? What will the Crown need to prove? Does she have any possible defences?
R vs DLW and the Crime of Bestiality (15mins)
This video looks at the Supreme Court’s recent decision in R v DLW, released in June 2016, which defined the offence of bestiality. In the blog, I spend the first half addressed the Court’s interpretative approach to criminal law statutes. In the second, I explain why I think the case is so positive for animal advocates.
Legislative Reforms to Help Animals: Overview (7mins)
In a video blog I put up earlier this year, I described the experiential learning component that I use in my course on Animals and the Law. It’s called the “Legislative Reform Proposal”, and it’s designed to give students a chance to see what they can do to “fix” the law governing the way animals are treated. Sixteen students came …
Bill C-246: Amendments to Canada’s Cruelty to Animals Provision (35mins)
In this video blog, I address some recent critique of Bill C-246, which aims to amend the animal cruelty provisions in the Criminal Code. The critique was written by Robert Sopuck, MP. In this video blog, I explain why the majority of criticisms don’t actually hold up to critical examination. In fact, many of them are downright preposterous.
Animals as Property in Criminal Cases – Part 2 (11mins)
In a follow-up to yesterday’s video blog, I concentrate on the Ontario legislation that is at the heart of the decision to euthanize 21 dogs seized in a dog fighting ring. Long story short: the law puts humane societies in a tough spot. We need better laws to make seizure a more palatable proposition, and allow the interests of animals …
Animals as Property in the Criminal Process (10mins)
In a recent case out of Ontario, the OSPCA has seized 23 dogs from a dog fighting ring and is now seeking a judicial order trying to have them all euthanized. Why would the OSPCA do this, especially when a number of dog rescue organizations have come forward volunteering to take the dogs and place them in homes outside of …
Animal Justice’s Intervention at the Supreme Court (12mins)
Next week, I am going to the Supreme Court as counsel for Animal Justice in a case that will decide the scope of the bestiality offence (s 160 of the Criminal Code). In this blog, I outline why the case is important and summarize the Animal Justice arguments from our factum.
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