The Family Property Act says how adult interdependent partners (AIPs) divide their property on separation. But it seems to prohibit unmarried couples from signing a cohabitation agreement about property before they become AIPs.There is a gap in Alberta’s Family Property Act (the Act) that has … [Read more...]
Accessing the Justice System: Specialized support is critical for sexual violence survivors
For sexual violence survivors who choose to access the criminal justice system, working with a specialized police and court support advocate can have a huge positive impact on their experience.The criminal legal system is a crucial pathway to justice for victims of crime. It provides a … [Read more...]
There is No Such Thing as a Hate Crime Offence in Canada
But do not panic because Canada’s Criminal Code not only includes five hate-based offences but also allows a judge to consider during sentencing whether hate motivated any other offence.In Canada, we do not have an offence in our Criminal Code that is called a “hate crime.” Yet during a time … [Read more...]
Do I need a lawyer to make a Will?
A Will is a legal document that says what happens to your estate when you pass away. While you can make your own, there are many good reasons why a lawyer should prepare it for you.There are two ways to make a Will in Alberta. A person can make a holographic Will that is entirely in their own … [Read more...]
How to Avoid Your Day in Court: A few more tips
In most cases, there are things you can do to avoid court, including finding reliable information, noting up case law, understanding the general rules and exceptions, and knowing whether a law actually exists.If you are experiencing a legal issue, you might think court is the place to resolve … [Read more...]
Strategies for Success: A better path to preventing workplace sexual harassment
Studies show traditional models of anti-harassment education don't work, so AASAS developed Engagement Strategies Toward Ending Workplace Sexual Harassment, a better path to workplace sexual harassment training.What comes to mind when you think of workplace sexual harassment … [Read more...]
The Protection of Human Rights in Armed Conflicts
During times of armed conflict, international humanitarian law (IHL) and human rights law (HRL) are meant to protect human beings and reduce their suffering.Armed conflicts are happening in various parts of the world. Unfortunately, serious violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) … [Read more...]
Can cyclists running stop signs make our roads safer?
U.S. states have been adopting Idaho Stop laws since the early 1980s, allowing cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs when safe to do so. Should Alberta do the same?What is an Idaho Stop law?Idaho Stop laws have been adopted across the United States … [Read more...]
Hart Pomerantz: Canada’s funniest lawyer
Not everyone can combine an almost six-decade legal career with a comedy career that included writing for Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In and co-hosting The Hart & Lorne Terrific Hour, along other credits, but Hart Pomerantz can.If there were ever a coronation for the king of comedy in … [Read more...]
Beyond Borders: Exploring space law
A dive into international space law, how it affects Canada, and what Canada does within its own borders to regulate space exploration.The universe encompasses planets, stars, galaxies, and other forms of matter and energy. Every point in space is a storyteller, unveiling distant realms and … [Read more...]
