R. v. O.A.

(Calgary, Q.B.).  OA was charged with unlawful confinement and sexual assault in Calgary. This case was exceptionally well prosecuted.  After days of evidence, including hearing from the accused, the judge properly applied the Supreme Court of Canada's decision in R. v. W.D. and though he did not believe the exculpatory version of the events offered by the accused, he articulated cogent reasons to explain why he was left with a reasonable doubt. OA was found to be "not guilty"  Proof beyond a reasonable doubt is sometimes artistically thought of as the "silver thread" in criminal justice (the golden thread being the presumption of innocence).  The gold and silver threads operate together to ensure the integrity of our justice system; which is designed guard against wrongful conviction.  One of the most difficult aspects of our criminal law is that no person -- even the most erudite trial judge -- can really know the truth. Sometimes even the most well intended witnesses do not know the truth.  David Chow is a criminal defence lawyer in Calgary who defends all cases, even the most difficult allegations, such as sexual assault.