We have been dealing with a topic that is particularly concerning to us. It should be on the minds of every British Columbian, and that is the steps that the Government is taking to oust the jurisdiction of the courts for most matters and to move adjudication to in-house tribunals. If our courts were properly […]
Peer pressure Continue Reading »
In Canada and the US courts are often criticized for being goal oriented. Right-wing and religious groups usually complain that courts have a “liberal agenda” — that they have goal-oriented adjudication that support a movement away from traditional Christian / Conservative values. It may be a valid observation. There is no doubt that courts, with
Goal-oriented adjudication Continue Reading »
As you have probably figured out reading our blog, we have sources of inside information in the Government and some police forces in BC. It’s not nefarious. Often the information we get merely confirms what we already know. Many people on the inside find the IRP scheme deeply flawed and as a consequence they tell
Sources of inside information Continue Reading »
In March we discussed the strange tension between the Government and the courts here in BC. The blog post remained one of the most popular since then. The post discusses the statement issued by the three levels of court concerning judicial independence. It was made in response to comments made by member of the Government
Subtle pressure Continue Reading »
If you thought the IRP scheme was the low point in BC legal history, think again. Emboldened by aspects of the Sivia decision, the BC Government now plans to take away the Charter of Rights and your right to a trial when the police stop you for a driving offence. It’s the end of the
The end of the Charter of Rights in BC Continue Reading »
We do not have awards ceremonies for the judges who convict the most people, or who send the greatest number of people to jail in a year. There is no such thing as a Bankie Award for the judge who renders the most decisions in favour of banks in civil suits. And this is all
Incentives in the justice system Continue Reading »
Most of the criminal cases we deal with are resolved in Provincial Criminal Court with as little attention as possible and without any lingering questions. This is the way we like it. The nice thing about the court in BC is that, even if you disagree with the outcome, it still usually makes sense. Until
It Doesn’t Make Sense Continue Reading »
We are criminal lawyers so our job is to advocate for our clients. This we normally do in a quiet manner, working behind the scene to get the best results attainable for our clients while protecting their privacy. And we do our job very well. What is unusual for us is to advocate in the
Public Advocacy Continue Reading »
There is a strange tension in British Columbia at the moment between the Government and the courts. As a result, the chief judges from each level of court in B.C. signed a statement about judicial independence and the rule of law which is re-published here. This is a highly unusual step. Typically, the judges in
Rule of Law Continue Reading »
The SPCA is angry at the Government. Their particular concern is that the Government is establishing a tribunal to deal with allegations under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, rather than having the matters dealt with in court. You can read their entire statement here, but this is an important excerpt: The BC SPCA
Tribunalization – Ousting the Courts Continue Reading »
Careless storage of a firearm can get you a few years in prison. We only mention this because the Victoria Police Department is missing a shotgun. It was stolen, lost or misplaced. Along with a bunch of riot equipment. Missing. We do not expect that the police will investigate themselves for the unsafe storage of
Careless Storage Continue Reading »
