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calgary defence blog
A Defence lawyer's perspective on issues in criminal law
Please be aware that all commentary in my blog is designed to promote discourse on a variety of topics. Though I certainly do some research on the topics discussed and often offer my "two-cents", please keep in mind that nothing I say in this blog is meant to be taken as authoritative on any subject. My comments are really just me exercising my freedom of expression for the purpose of offering some insight on topics related to the practice of criminal law, in politics and current events. As with all topics of discussion, it is important for you to be critical. If you need a defence lawyer, please call 403.452.8018 for a free telephone consultation or consult with an experienced Calgary criminal lawyer. Happy reading! Happy watching!
In a word: Kind
About a week after Justice Brian Stevenson adjourned court for his final time (after 50 years on the bench), I was saddened to learn about the passing of Judge Gary…
Court Adjourned: Farewell Justice Stevenson
As reported by the Calgary Herald, on December 11th, 2024, Justice Brian Stevenson said goodbye to his seat at the Judge’s Dias – a chair that he occupied for five-decades.
A Holiday Season Message
CRIMINAL JUSTICE HOLIDAY SEASONWork in the criminal justice system both speeds up and slows down in the month of December. December is a short month.
The Truth about SafeRoads
The truth about SafeRoads is that to ensure its legitimacy as an administrative law process, fact finding must honour the truth.
FULL ANSWER AND DEFENCE, MISTRIAL, THE CLEAREST OF CASES AND THE SOLICITOR-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP
It is important for defence counsel and his or her client to have a good working relationship. A good relationship is based on both respect and trust.
Two Wrongs Don't Equal Mitigation: Thoughts about Party Liability
I am sure most are of the opinion that corporations must shoulder corporate responsibility for their products and services.
Burger King telling Whoppers about its Whopper
According to Forbes, “Burger King has been told it must defend itself in court against claims its signature Whopper burgers are too small…”.
REASONABLE APPREHENSION OF NEPOTISM: THE JUDICIAL APPOINTMENT PROCESS
The National Post reported that at least six high level judges may have paid to meet Justin Trudeau or the Deputy Prime Minister before their judicial appointments.
Notice to Person's Searching for a Lawyer
I write this as a notice to all person’s searching online for a lawyer.
Holiday season: High time for Phishers and Fraudsters
As some folks are experiencing, I no longer accept telephone calls from “blocked”, “unknown” or “no caller id” numbers.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | Orange Shirt Day
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | Orange Shirt DayOn June 3rd, 2021 the Parliament of Canada responded to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s call to action…
Caution: The Best Marketers are not necessarily the Best Criminal Defence Lawyers
THE PURPOSE OF LAWYER ADVERTISING If you are reading this post, there is a reasonable likelihood that you are researching criminal lawyers in Alberta for hire.
SafeRoads Alberta: Closed for the Holidays
saferoads closed for the holidays No new business, only open for three weeks, could could close for an extended holiday -- that is, unless it's funded by the taxpayer.
SafeRoads Alberta: Judge, Jury and Executioner
safe roads alberta There is a new Sheriff in town; its name: “SafeRoads Alberta”.
YouTube Alert: Visible Trauma
no visible trauma In July 2020 the CBC aired a documentary titled “Above the Law” by filmmakers Marc Serpa Francoeur and Robinder Uppal of Lost Time Media. https://calgary-law.
The Swing-Hook-Weapon Justification
lucky to be alive This video from which this still was captured is hard to watch; really hard to watch. https://www. cbc. ca/news/canada/calgary/calgary-police-alex-dunn-assault-trial-video-1.
Did they sell us a Rusted Ol'Jalopy?
Did they sell us a Rusted Ol'Jalopy? On August 1st, 2019 I responded to a CBC article titled “Hundreds of Calgarians charged with crimes walk free due to a lack of…
Illustrating legal concepts: New York man fakes his own death
Illustrating Legal Concepts Although the story of a man who faked his own death in a court case from Nassau County, New York, is not Canadian criminal law report, it is…
Police Reform: Peace, Respect and Trust
ABOVE THE LAW? I have watched with interest the many videos of police encounters with the public over the last month.
Yeah I said it. It's Grade School Obvious Conflict of Interest
yeah, i said it In the opinion of this Calgary criminal lawyer, we need to question the intellectual quotient of some politicians.
George Floyd: The Few Bad Apples Dodge
THE FEW BAD APPLES DODGE Responding to claims of systemic racism within American policing, White House Security Advisor, Robert C.
May the fourth be with you: Stormtroopers Day in Lethbridge, Alberta
May the fourth be with you Anybody who has watched Star Wars has heard the phrase, “may the force be with you”.
Contact-Tracing: A possible tool for the further Evisceration of Charter Rights
THE ATROPHY OF CHARTER RIGHTS Will the coronavirus pandemic impact the future of our Constitutional protections? I think the answer is likely “yes”.