We are all familiar with those who find themselves subject to public or media criticism responding with the old saw that what they did, or what they said, was “taken out of context.” Sometimes there is merit to that complaint, sometimes not. Usually, we associate being taken out of context with an … [Read more...]
Criminal Defence Law in the North: Part One
It seems that almost every lawyer who has travelled from southern Canada to practice law “North of 60” ends up writing about his or her experiences at some point. Almost all of those who are drawn to this part of Canada are struck by the geographical and physical beauty of this land, and by the … [Read more...]
I’ve Been Good. Can My Landlord Make Me Move?
Can a landlord end a tenancy when the tenant has not done anything wrong? It depends. We're going to look at some different factors that come into answering this question. Just so we're all on the same page, today we're talking about periodic tenancies, which are the kinds of tenancies that continue … [Read more...]
Human Rights and Québec’s Charter of Values
On Thursday, November 7, 2013, the Québec government tabled its Charter of Values, Bill 60. The Bill provides that public body personnel must maintain religious neutrality in the exercise of their functions. It also restricts personnel from wearing objects “such as headgear, clothing, jewelry or … [Read more...]
Long arm of U of A law looking to reach rural Alberta
At some point between birth and death, life calls for at least some legal services. But for rural Albertans, who, like their urban cousins grapple with everything from wills to business deals, vital access to a lawyer isn’t a given. That’s why the University of Alberta Faculty of Law is teamed up … [Read more...]
Corporal Punishment and Domestic Violence: The Case for “Anti-Spanking” Legislation
Recall conversations among parents deliberating the joys and perils of raising children – does the following sound familiar? “I wouldn’t normally spank my kid, but if he crosses the road without looking, you bet I’m gonna make my point! That’ll be the last time he does that.” While spanking is … [Read more...]
A Spotlight on Family Violence and Immigrant Women in Canada
Family violence remains a serious, on-going problem for many inhabitants of Canada. Justice Canada defines it as any form of abuse, mistreatment, or neglect that a child or adult experiences—physically, sexually, emotionally, financially, or otherwise—from a family member or from someone with whom … [Read more...]
Finders Keepers? A Historical Survey of Lost and Abandoned Property and the Law
Introduction You are walking along a busy downtown street when a small object on the ground catches the corner of your eye. Intrigued, you bend down to find a small pouch which upon further examination contains a gold bracelet. There is neither attached identification nor any sign of the owner. To … [Read more...]
Including Pets in Protective Orders
There is a growing awareness of the importance of pets to their owners, and especially to victims of domestic violence who rely on them for comfort and security at a time when they are most needed. Perpetrators of violence know this too – which is why they often threaten, harm, or even kill the pets … [Read more...]
All Is Not Lost: The Law of Lost and Found
“Property and law were born and die together” - Jeremy Bentham, English philosopher, The Theory of Legislation (1931) Introduction We all know the feeling when we lose something. Cell phone? Car keys? Most of us also know what it feels like to find something, such as a wallet. Losing a … [Read more...]
