In this video blog, I examine a controversial topic: whether Canada should create a system of pre-trial appeals in criminal cases. I draw upon the New Zealand model as an inspiration and conclude that there are enough benefits to this system that it warrants much greater scrutiny in future as, if nothing else, a cost saving measure.
The Travis Vader Verdict (30mins)
Thirty Minutes! I promise not to go this long again, but there was a lot to say here, and a fair bit of legal complexity. After Thomas J.’s stunning decision to convict Travis Vader using an unconstitutional section of the Criminal Code, most people are wondering, “what’s going to happen to the conviction?” There are a lot of potential legal …
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?
Duffy, Wright and the Parliament of Canada Act (10mins)
As the Mike Duffy trial continues, there is continued speculation that the RCMP bungled matters by not charging Duffy or Nigel Wright under section 16 of the Parliament of Canada Act, which prohibits a Senator from receiving (and a person from giving) “any compensation, directly or indirectly, for services rendered or to be rendered to any person, either by the …