August 31, 2026
Anyone who has had a modern eye examination has encountered some version of “the machine,” which is formally known as an autorefractor. Before the optometrist begins the familiar process of asking whether one lens is clearer than another, the autorefractor takes an initial measurement of the eye.
August 31, 2026
Francis Clifford Smith was sentenced to death in Connecticut in 1950. He was 25 years old. He was granted a last meal eight times. Each time, his execution was stayed. Smith died in prison on June 25, 2026, at the age of 101, having spent more than 70 years in prison and, by some accounts, becoming the longest-serving prisoner in the United States.
August 28, 2026
The Federal Court of Appeal has dismissed a constitutional challenge to two $20,000 compensation caps under the Canadian Human Rights Act — one for pain and suffering and the other for wilful or reckless discrimination — rejecting arguments that the limits violated successful complainants’ equality rights.
August 28, 2026
Ontario’s Appeal Court has ruled that the son of a deceased woman must pay his siblings for a “shortfall” after he inherited a cottage worth more than what the rest of the estate left behind.
August 28, 2026
As of Sept. 8, Canada will impose counter-tariffs of 15, 25 and 50 per cent on products drawn from the list of those targeted by U.S. tariffs, with the rate for each product matching the corresponding U.S. rate. The number of tariffed goods has dropped by nearly 200, from over 800 to now 629.
August 28, 2026
Alexander Holburn has added two associates: Jordan Mario Jutras in Vancouver and Ty Maccagno in Toronto.
August 28, 2026
There is a familiar moment in family court.
August 28, 2026
Litigator Stefanie Holland has joined Aird & Berlis as the firm’s chief growth officer, leading the firm’s business development, marketing and communications functions and advising on the firm’s growth strategy, with a focus on client experience, business development and service excellence.
August 28, 2026
Gary Scales has been appointed president of the Law Society of Prince Edward Island.
August 28, 2026
A legal truism is that you need to put your best forward at trial and that you cannot count on an appeal to change the outcome. Appeals are based on identifying errors in law — mere disagreement with the trial judge’s findings of fact will not suffice.