The Canadian justice system affects all citizens. This is the reason for large-scale government consultations in the wake of proposed sentencing reforms by the federal government. The online survey asks people in Ontario and across Canada their views on a variety of criminal defense and justice-related issues, including mandatory minimums and mitigating circumstances.
False drug charges due to unidentified powder leaves man homeless
The spread of fentanyl has been devastating to many communities across Canada. Police have been working hard to stop the trafficking of this drug. While this work is important, a recent case in Ottawa, Ontario, shows that jumping to conclusions with drug charges can have serious consequences.
Most of those dying in jails are awaiting criminal defense
Wait times are a serious issue in Canadian jails. While Ontario says it is reviewing its policies to allow for quicker trials and sentencing, statistics show that current wait times can be fatal. Of the nearly 270 people who have died in Canadian provincial jails in the past five years, two thirds were awaiting trial. Legally innocent people dying in prisons is a major issue in Canada, where the criminal defense system and tough bail practices have led to overcrowding in jails.
Marijuana related offences decrease as drug charges on the rise
Proposed legislation on the topic of recreational use has made this a hot topic. Many people in Ontario and across Canada are paying attention to the statistics surrounding marijuana offences. Despite an increase in drug charges, the number of pot offences reported to the police were down again last year. The numbers come from a recent Statistics Canada report, which shows that arrests related to the drug are down for the fifth year in a row.
Mistrial declared on Ottawa drug charges after judge misconduct
In criminal proceedings, rules must be followed on both sides of the bench. Failure to comply with Ontario law in court proceedings can result in a mistrial. This was the case with a recent trial involving drug charges in Ottawa. After a judge privately questioned an investigating officer in his chambers, a mistrial was declared.
