Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench recently struck down a mandatory minimum sentence (MMS). In Charboneau, the accused was convicted under 286.1(2) of the Criminal Code for communicating with a minor…
In R v Felix, the Alberta Court of Appeal (ABCA) set guidelines for fentanyl trafficking sentencing. The Court found that sentencing for wholesale trafficking fentanyl should start at nine years….
Sexual Assault The law surrounding sexual assault has evolved in recent decades. In R v R.V., the Supreme Court further developed the rules on cross-examining complainants of sexual assault. Canadian…
Canadian jury selection system The Federal Government recently changed the Canadian jury selection system. Through Bill C-75, the government removed peremptory challenges from the jury selection process. This new law…
Week in Review Tonii Roulston appeared in the Court of Queen’s Bench before Chief Justice Wittmann to speak to sentencing. The client, originally charged with 19 offences stemming from luring…
How Lost Disclosure can Win the Case More and more police cars are being equipped with video cameras. Police procedure surrounding the preservation of the resultant footage differs depending on…
Evidence Produced by Google Maps The criminal courts have long embraced the evolutions of technology, considering complex issues like cell tower records or ip addresses. (Relatively) recently, courts had begun…
The Statutory Defence of Duress The defence of duress is codified under s 17 of the Criminal Code which excuses the commission of an offence where it was committed under…
Mandatory Minimums Drug offences under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act are always a controversial issue. From a criminal defence perspective, drug offences can be nuanced because they are often…
Bail Hearings One of the most daunting experiences an accused person faces is the prospect of pre-trial detention when they are first arrested. Being charged with a criminal offence always…