Criminal
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May 23, 2024
Feds table proposed regulations for banned firearms buyback program
Ottawa has tabled proposed regulations regarding a firearm buyback program for business owners and individuals following a 2020 ban that involved about 2,000 firearms.
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May 23, 2024
Two appeal decisions underline how trial judges rely on common sense, experience
At first glance, the Courts of Appeal in Nova Scotia and Ontario have different approaches in reviewing verdicts in “he said/she said” sexual assault cases. Or are they more similar than one would expect by looking at the outcomes alone?
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May 22, 2024
New sanctions aimed at Russia–N. Korea arms trade for weapons used in illegal war on Ukraine
Two Russians and six Russian entities are targeted by the latest sanctions Canada has imposed in response to the Putin regime’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine.
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May 22, 2024
Managing politically exposed persons
Money laundering is a serious global issue that poses significant challenges to financial institutions and regulatory bodies. One aspect of money laundering that is especially concerning is the management of politically exposed persons (PEPs).
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May 22, 2024
Expert panel recommends 15 per cent salary hike for Quebec provincial court judges
A judicial compensation committee has recommended handing a substantial salary increase to the provincial judiciary to bridge the gap with their federal counterparts and maintain the Court of Quebec’s drawing power, a welcome development that will unlikely to be challenged by the government, according to a pundit.
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May 22, 2024
Assault appeal focuses on judge’s self-instructions
It is usual in a jury trial and especially in a “he said/she said” case for a judge to charge a jury on the requirement that a conviction results only when the Crown has presented proof beyond a reasonable doubt. How can we be sure that a judge sitting without a jury has been similarly self-instructed? That was the central issue in the Ontario Court of Appeal decision in R. v. Da Silva, 2024 ONCA 242.
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May 22, 2024
EVIDENCE — Burden and standard of proof — Beyond a reasonable doubt — Witnesses — Credibility
Appeal by Crown from acquittal of Patel for sexual assault. There were only two central witnesses to the sexual activity: the complainant, GM, and Patel. There was no dispute that penile-vaginal penetration occurred. Patel testified it was consensual. GM said it was not.
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May 21, 2024
National action plan to combat rising auto thefts includes proposed legislative amendments
Ottawa’s “national action plan” to fight the skyrocketing rate of auto theft in some parts of Canada includes proposed amendments to the Criminal Code that would create harsher penalties for convicted perpetrators with ties to violence, organized crime or money laundering.
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May 21, 2024
Bill C-63: Federal government attempts to address online harms
On Feb. 26, 2024, the Government of Canada introduced Bill C-63. Bill C-63 would enact the Online Harms Act (the Act) and make amendments to the Criminal Code, the Canadian Human Rights Act and An Act respecting the mandatory reporting of Internet child pornography by persons who provide an Internet service. The purpose of the bill is to promote the online safety of Canadians and hold social media platforms, adult content services and live-streaming services accountable for addressing harmful content online.
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May 21, 2024
Money laundering trends in 2024
Money laundering continues to be a significant global issue, with criminals constantly evolving their techniques to evade detection and legitimize illicit funds. In 2024, several trends are shaping the landscape of money laundering, posing challenges for authorities and financial institutions worldwide.