Any discussion of “vulnerable youth” must begin by defining the scope and meaning of that term. In this article, I include those persons under the age of 18 years who are particularly vulnerable to neglect, and/or harm of various sorts. Sometimes this is a result of poverty alone, and parental … [Read more...]
Quebec’s Need for Cultural and Linguistic Protection, the Notwithstanding Clause, and the Demise of the Meech Lake Accord
For careful observers of Canadian culture and politics, there was an obvious irony attached to the House of Commons motion that was approved in November of 2006, recognizing Quebec’s special place in Confederation. The motion garnered 265 yeas and a mere 16 nays and stated: “Que cette Chambre … [Read more...]
You Can’t Do or Say That: Constraining individual conduct in a public and commercial world
Greek triple-jumper, Voula Papachristou, was expelled from the 2012 London Olympic Games because of a disparaging and racist tweet she broadcast days before the Games. European soccer players making negative comments about officials on or off the field now face suspension. An 18-year-old Canadian … [Read more...]
The Intersection of Law, Language and Culture
Introduction When we think of the intersection of law and language, most of us reflect on the linguistic sides of the issue, such as: questions about why law-makers use certain words as opposed to others, queries about ‘legalese’, and problems of misunderstanding, interpretation and translation. … [Read more...]
Multicultural Family Law Facilitators Project
Project Description This article briefly describes the Multicultural Family Law (MFL) Facilitators project developed by United Cultures of Canada Association, Family Law Office (Legal Aid Alberta) and ASSIST Community Services Centre with financial assistance provided by the City of Edmonton – … [Read more...]
Comma Law
The writer who neglects punctuation, or mispunctuates, is liable to be misunderstood for the want of merely a comma . . . – Edgar Allan Poe Introduction “Let’s eat, Grandma” or “Let’s eat Grandma.” As the saying goes, “commas save lives.”This adage humorously demonstrates the … [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...]
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...]
Reflecting on Family Violence
I practise family law and often my clients have experienced, or are experiencing, family violence. It can be difficult to discuss “family violence” generally because there is no one experience of violence. A “yes” to a general question about whether or not a client has experienced family violence … [Read more...]
