Juries. To some, it may seem bizarre that 12 laypersons, untrained in the law, would be asked – required – to come into a courtroom and listen to the recounting of events about which they know nothing, involving people with whom they have no familiarity, and then make a decision about whether someone has committed […]
Understanding Diversity in the Current Context of the Law and Legal Profession
July 4, 2018 By Charles Davison
Canada is a country which represents the very meaning of “diversity”. From beginnings which involved mainly three generalized groups (aboriginals, French and English) we have evolved to become one of the most diverse societies on the planet. Now, in virtually every community in the country, from the middle of downtown Toronto and Montreal, to the […]
Understanding the Connections Between International Law and Canadian Criminal Law
May 4, 2018 By Charles Davison
Criminal law usually addresses only incidents and issues arising within our borders, between persons in Canada. However, especially in today’s global world, there are a number of ways in which Canada’s position internationally – including treaties and agreements made with other countries and organizations – impacts Canadian criminal law. In this article, I will discuss: […]
“Ghosts” in the Criminal Code
May 4, 2018 By Charles Davison
One of the most highly publicized criminal trials in recent Alberta history ended in the fall of 2016 with a degree of judicial embarrassment. Having broken new ground by allowing the live broadcasting of his decision in the case, the trial judge mistakenly found Travis Vader guilty of the murders of Lyle and Marie McCann […]
Viewpoint 42-4: Understanding Parole: Paul Bernardo Eligible for Full Parole in February 2018
March 6, 2018 By Charles Davison
February 2018 marks 25 years since the arrest of Paul Bernardo for the rapes and murders of two young women in Ontario. Following one of the longest and most highly publicized criminal trials in Canadian history, he was convicted of two counts of first degree murder and given the automatic and mandatory sentence required by […]
