Criminal
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July 21, 2025
Supreme Court decision confirms rehabilitation cornerstone of youth sentencing
In a significant ruling on youth sentencing, the Supreme Court of Canada clarified the legal standards under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) in R. v. I.M., 2025 SCC 23, and R. v. S.B., 2025 SCC 24. The court ruled that youth are presumed to have diminished moral blameworthiness, and this presumption must be rebutted by the Crown beyond a reasonable doubt before an adult sentence can be imposed.
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July 18, 2025
Alberta Securities Commission alleges crypto asset trading platform improperly withdrew over $14M
The Alberta Securities Commission (ASC) has issued a hearing notice against crypto asset trading platform CatalX CTS Ltd. (known as Catalyx), its chief executive officer Hyuek Jae Park and chief financial officer Jae Ho Lee.
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July 18, 2025
B.C. Premier Eby announces cabinet reshuffle to focus on jobs and economy
B.C. Premier David Eby has announced a cabinet reshuffle involving changes to key ministries as part of a strategic shift aimed at focusing on jobs and the economy, according to a release.
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July 18, 2025
SCC clarifies sentencing standards under Youth Criminal Justice Act
The Supreme Court of Canada has overturned an adult sentence for a youth found guilty of murder, stating that under a proper interpretation of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), the Crown must rebut the statutory presumption of diminished moral blameworthiness beyond a reasonable doubt.
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July 18, 2025
Navigating AI in legal practice: Responsibilities, risks and realities, part two
We all know that AI has many upsides, and it’s taking the legal profession by storm. We also know that it must be used with caution. In the first segment of this three-part series, we took a look at some key initial concerns that can arise in connection with lawyers’ use of AI in their legal practices. These touched on legal ethics and potential bias, and how using AI can impact a lawyer’s professional responsibility obligations.
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July 18, 2025
Relational vs. transactional: Why Canada continues to fail at implementing Indigenous rights
There is a fundamental difference in worldview that continues to undermine the relationship between Indigenous peoples and the Crown in Canada — a difference that can be summarized as relational versus transactional. This tension lies at the heart of the ongoing failure to fully implement treaties, recognize Indigenous legal orders, or give meaningful effect to constitutionally protected Aboriginal and treaty rights.
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July 18, 2025
SENTENCING - Offences tending to corrupt morals - Child pornography
Appeal by Terwilligar from convictions for offences relating to child luring and making child pornography and appeal from eight‑year prohibition order under s. 161 of Criminal Code.
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July 18, 2025
The long arm of the law: Canadian court orders offshore gambling site to block Manitoba users
In a wake-up call for digital platforms offering online gaming services to Canadian consumers, a provincial court in Manitoba has issued a decision blocking a service provider for violating Canadian gambling laws.
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July 18, 2025
Dangerous driving case illustrates how court of law eclipses court of public opinion
What’s the difference between a court of law and the court of public opinion? Public opinion focuses on the status of the offender and the victim, whereas trial and appeal courts look to the correct application of the law. An interesting example is the decision in R. v. Lojovic, 2025 ONCA 319. The background of the parties was not discussed in the judgment, but played a significant role in the press coverage.
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July 17, 2025
Manitoba further expands electronic monitoring program
Manitoba is again expanding its electronic monitoring program in an effort to keep better track of those out on bail. According to a July 17 news release, the province is investing an additional $1.2 million into the program this year, and adding up to 100 more ankle monitors “to track offenders released on bail.”