Family
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April 19, 2024
Family court judges must balance fairness in assisting the self-represented: lawyer
Given the growing number of self-represented litigants in family court, judges must ensure fairness to both sides when assisting those who appear without counsel, says a lawyer following a Saskatchewan case where a trial judge failed to give adequate help to a father acting for himself in a parenting dispute.
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April 19, 2024
Appeal allowed due to trial judge’s incorrect evidentiary rulings, failure to help self-represented litigant
A high-conflict parenting situation led to a 10-day trial where, despite the father’s primary care of their young daughter for over three years, custody was reversed and the father, who lived in Regina, was granted parenting time in Saskatoon three weekends a month and extended vacation parenting time.
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April 19, 2024
Mystery of bail in Canada | Norman Douglas
Case 1: Alcoholic steals liquor from local LCBO.
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April 18, 2024
Gap in the legal field diversity pipeline | Fatima Ahmed
Diversity in the legal field is an ongoing discussion that has been occurring repeatedly within our profession’s ranks for many years. The problem was identified years ago and continues to plague the industry as a mainstream area of concern. Despite many law firms recognizing the necessity for diversity in the workplace, many of them continue to be predominantly white and male. Anecdotal and qualitative data have demonstrated repeatedly that the legal profession, while getting incrementally better, is not moving the needle enough on the diversity scale. Law firms and law schools alike often place the blame on one another. Meanwhile, the diversity pipeline is running dry, and we have yet to identify the root cause.
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April 18, 2024
Be careful what you wish for | Gary Joseph
We family lawyers issue applications all the time. We fully expect that, in most cases, an answer would be served and the issues would be joined for later resolution, either through negotiations (most cases) or ultimately trial. However, there are times when an answer is not forthcoming. The matter is thus undefended. A host of Family Law Rules are now engaged.
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April 17, 2024
Signing on to Gary Joseph’s plea | AJ Jakubowska
In a world that constantly presents us with two choices, evolve or repeat, I found Gary Joseph’s most recent piece — entitled “A plea for civil discourse in high-conflict parenting disputes” — particularly engaging. I take up his invitation and join his crusade.
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April 17, 2024
Digital solutions through an Indigenous lens | Lawrence Lewis
In a world where digital transformation shapes every aspect of our lives, the narrative of technological advancement often overlooks the diverse needs and voices of Indigenous communities. But creating digital solutions through an Indigenous lens — combining traditional values through innovative pathways — gives rise to progressive structures that honour cultural significance.
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April 16, 2024
Legal aid funding, auto theft crack down and redistribution of judgeships feature in federal budget
Funding for legal aid to reduce court delays; redistributing “unused” Alberta unified family court posts to other superior courts; and creating new offences and harsher penalties for auto theft are among dozens of justice-related measures proposed in the latest federal budget, which the minority Liberal government says aims to enhance the affordability of shelter, groceries, internet and other necessities for Canadians.
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April 15, 2024
5 new justices announced for Court of the King’s Bench of Alberta
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Arif Virani announced the appointment of five Justices of the Court of the King’s Bench of Alberta.
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April 15, 2024
Unleashing legal instincts: Secret power controlling courtroom victories | Maria Mahmoudian
In the world of law, where every move can make or break a case, it might seem odd to rely on something as fuzzy as instinct. But believe it or not, that gut feeling plays a big role in how lawyers do their jobs.