Exercising Freedom Responsibly in a Time of Crisis
responsible freedom To have freedom means that we exercise it responsibly.
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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. 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!
Support Canadians: Social Distancing and Buying Local
social distancing This post is about the need to support Alberta and Canada. This post is about social distancing and the need to buy local.
Prosecuting Coronavirus: The Application of R. v. Cuerrier
prosecuting coronavirus On March 10th, 2020, the Department of Justice Canada expressed that a person could be prosecuted for knowingly spreading COVID-19.
COVID-19: Hoping for a little Luck of the Irish
Saint Patrick’s Day and the law The law is pervasive.
Covid-19 and the Alberta Law Courts: Stop the Spread in Mandatory Cluster-Zones
“There is no terror in the bang, only in the anticipation of it”.
The Spectre of Wrongful Conviction: Shelby Herchak
investigation continues Ever notice that when a Government agency reviews itself (or is subject to review), time seems to slow to a pace that seldom prevails upon an ordinary person? For example,…
The Spectre of Wrongful Conviction: But for the Grace of God Go I
THE SAGA CONTINUES The saga continues in the cases of Butch Chiniquay, Shelby Herchak and Tammy Bouvette.
Greasing the Slippery Slope: Jackboot Mandatory Breath Screening
“Slipper Slope”: A bad situation that after it has started is likely to get much worse.
The Spectre of Wrongful Conviction: More than mere Water-Cooler Chit-Chat
“No criminal justice system is, or can be, perfect.
The Spectre of Wrongful Conviction: The Importance of Disclosure in our Justice System
WRONGFUL CONVICTIONS? Butch Chiniquay was charged with second degree murder in the death of his girlfriend in 2011.
Engineering the Answer: Is Calgary a Safe City?
IS CALGARY A SAFE CITY? This post is simply to add some perspective to a typical crime story.
Happy Holidays! Christmas and New Year Holiday 101
happy holidays The Holiday Season encapsulating Christmas and New Year is a time when Government offices and many businesses in Alberta and across Canada close – some of them for an…
The Whiskey Ring Snowball Fight
the whiskey ring fight What a great story. On December 16th, 2019 St.
Stop Your Whinging. Alberta Justice in Crisis?
“To Whinge” – “to complain persistently and in a peevish or irritating way”. A Crown prosecutor “can’t remember the last time he had a work free weekend”.
SAMPLE CHARTER NOTICE: Constitutional Challenge to Mandatory Roadside Testing
sample charter notice Included below is a redacted Charter Notice -- filed in a real case -- challenging the constitutionality of section 320.
R. v. Felix: The Hammer drops on Wholesale Fentanyl Trafficking
starting point sentence On November 28th, 2019 the Alberta Court of Appeal weighed-in on the issue of wholesale Fentanyl trafficking; it did so decisively and harshly. In R. v.
Spoiling the Ballot: An Expression of Political Will
THE RIGHT TO VOTE IN CANADA Section 3 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms constitutionally guarantees the democratic right of any Canadian citizen to vote in a general federal,…
The Kindness Dialogue: Reflections about the Tragedy of Devan Bracci-Selvey
What the hell is the matter with human beings? DEVAN BRACCI-SELVEY Devan Bracci-Selvey was attacked, stabbed and killed in front of his mother while apparently trying to escape bullies at Sir Winston…
The Discrimination Label: Professional Responsibility and the Discrimination Card
THE DISCRIMINATION LABEL A “racist” is someone who feels or shows discrimination or prejudice against a person of another race or who believes a particular race is superior to another.
Bill C-75: A Calgary Criminal Lawyer's opinion about Preliminary Inquiry Reform
c-75: preliminary inquiries On March 29th, 2018 the Federal Government introduced legislation to amend the Criminal Code of Canada.
Better Safe than Sorry not always better Safe
swatting “Swatting” is defined as the action or practice of making a prank call to emergency services in an attempt to bring about the dispatch of a large number of armed…
Lawyer Advertising: Some Words of Advice
texas law hawk advertising Occasionally, I run across interesting and amusing lawyer advertisements.
Expanding the Prosecutor's Office: Continuing the Debate
news as a propaganda tool? This post is an extension of my previous article, “Truth or Propaganda: Hundreds of Cases Stayed due to Manpower shortage”.
Power in the Uniform
The story of Kenrick McRae’s interaction with Montreal Police is reported as “racial profiling”.