In my last column (Part One) I briefly sketched out some aspects of substantive criminal law as it is enforced and applied in the Northwest Territories. I want in this contribution to comment upon some underlying factors which, at least sometimes, lead to criminal conduct, as well as aspects of … [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...]
Bill C-10: The Government’s Tough Stance Against Criminal Record Holders
Bill C-10 On September 20, 2011, then Justice Minister Rob Nicholson tabled Bill C-10, an omnibus crime bill titled the Safe Streets and Communities Act. The Bill proposed to make fundamental changes to many components of Canada’s criminal justice system, including the pardon process. In March of … [Read more...]
Corruption and Scandals – A Modest Proposal for Electoral Reform
Anyone who follows politics or even just reads the news knows that great political questions and issues of public philosophy often get set aside from the political agenda because of the intervention of scandals involving a few individuals. The media, and therefore the public, are focused on whether … [Read more...]
Sentencing is Important
No aspect of criminal law gets as little attention as sentencing. And no aspect is as important. After all, almost 90% of all criminal cases end with a sentencing. Yet it’s the verdict that everyone usually focuses on. But this year may be different. The Conservative Government’s Bill C-10 has drawn … [Read more...]
