In attempting to narrow the scope of this article, I have settled upon three questions which arise most frequently for many people who do not usually come into contact with the police. These questions involve the intersection of our rights as Canadian citizens to live our lives without intrusion or interference from state agencies and […]
Reasonable Doubt in Criminal Law
July 5, 2017 By Charles Davison
Canadian law recognizes different states of mind for decision-makers in various situations. Police officers and others engaged in an investigation are authorized to act where they have “reasonable grounds to believe” an offence has been committed and a particular person may be guilty. In some situations, the standard is even lower. For example, a police […]
The Evolution of Canadian Law
May 5, 2017 By Charles Davison
With the 150th anniversary of Confederation upon us, it is perhaps appropriate to reflect on the high points of 150 years of legal change in Canada. Such an exercise is always a challenge, of course, because what might be considered significant to some may be seen as minor or less important to others. In this […]
The Law of Sexual Assault in Canada
October 12, 2016 By Charles Davison
Perhaps no offence under our laws is as politically charged as sexual assault. And in no other offence situation are the gender lines as clearly drawn: while there are some exceptions, most sexual assault allegations are made by women who say they have been violated by men. Because of the infinite variations of factors which […]
Medically Assisted Death Offers Options
June 15, 2016 By Charles Davison
In 2015 the Supreme Court of Canada issued a decision in the case of a B.C. woman who wanted the right to be able to determine the timing and circumstances of her own death; what was termed at the time “doctor-assisted suicide”, and what has now become referred to as medical assistance in dying or […]
