I recently reread Charles Dickens’ vivid evocation of Paris in the years when the French Revolution had descended into the bloodletting of the Terror, as well as London, which served as a home for French exiles who had fled the murderous impulse for revenge that had swept up the long- suffering and … [Read more...]
Recent Developments in Criminal Law
It will come as no surprise to anyone tuned into the current political situation in Canada that changes in our criminal laws over the last several years have been consistently in a single direction: that of creating more offences and imposing stiffer penalties. Relying upon its position that … [Read more...]
Is Good Luck Taxable?
Easy Money There seem to be plenty of opportunities to win – big and small – in our lives, from lotteries to radio contests to a friendly wager with a friend. Whether it’s $10 on who wins the golf game, or $10 million from the lottery, does the tax man share in our good fortune? In Canada, the … [Read more...]
Turning a Loss into a Win
I remember the morning well: my mother had asked me to bring in the mail, and as I was sorting through it, a bright envelope with the sentence, “You Are A Grande Prize Winner” caught my attention. My heart leapt; my family just won an astronomical amount of money! When I showed the envelope to my … [Read more...]
Canadian Regulation of Contests, Prizes and Games
Canadians like to participate in public, advertised contests and games. We compete for prizes. Most often we are unaware that the promoters of these events are governed by specific rules in relation to them. The law on contests, prizes and games is sometimes classified under marketing law. A … [Read more...]
The Crime of Counseling Criminal Offences
… some may argue that the publication of Shakespeare’s Henry VI, with its famous phrase “let’s kill all the lawyers”, should be subject to state scrutiny! - R. v. Hamilton, 2005 SCC 47 Introduction A few years ago, a University of Calgary professor suggested on national television that someone … [Read more...]
Basic Facts in Federal Corrections
Canada’s incarceration rate is 117/100,000 adults and youth, while the United States' is 762/100,000 and France's is 91/100,000. The Corrections and Conditional Release Act (CCRA) has been in force since1992 and was amended in 2012. The CCRA outlines the responsibilities of the Correctional … [Read more...]
How Criminal Records and Police Reports can Ruin Your Travel Plans
There’s a reason why Canadian passports are in high demand with international criminals and forgers. Our record of good international relations, history of peacekeeping and foreign aid, and the generally good perception of Canadians gives our passport holders easy entry to more countries than just … [Read more...]
Bench Press 38-6: Limits to “Mr. Big” Stings
Police in Newfoundland suspected that Nelson Hart deliberately drowned his twin daughters but had no proof. They began an elaborate hoax to recruit Mr. Hart into a fictitious crime ring. After about 15 months of activity, it culminated in a meeting with “Mr. Big” who was presented as the head of … [Read more...]
Bench Press 38-6: A Bride’s Worst Nightmare!
Melanie Johnson arranged for a Calgary designer and tailor to make four bridesmaid dresses, a flower girl’s dress and a wedding veil for her October 2011 wedding, and to make alterations to her wedding dress. As the wedding approached, the emails and text messages began to fly. The bride received … [Read more...]
