R v Webbe-Wong: A Reminder of the Frailties of Cross-Racial Identification Evidence
This paper will explain that reliability issues with eyewitness testimony are aggravated by cross-racial bias, a phenomenon which causes eyewitness identifications to be less reliable when the witness is a different race than the identified individual. In doing so, it will examine the 2022 case of R v Webbe-Wong (2022 ONCJ 423) to underscore that even credible, convincing, and well-intentioned eyewitnesses can be mistaken as a result of cross-racial bias.
Simultaneously Solving Crime and Poor Mental Health - Looking for a Solution…
In failing to provide sufficient mental health training, law enforcement turns a blind eye to the importance of de-stigmatization, equity, historic injustices, and safety, further perpetuating harm to vulnerable communities. Thus, “for the sake of everyone involved, police should be well prepared and have adequate support to answer the call when people are in mental health distress. They should also be equipped to play a role in preventing crises.
Criminalized Queerness in the 1970s & 1980s, and the Interpretation of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms (part 2)
This blog will discuss the continuing criminality of queerness in Canada during the 1970s and 1980s, with 1987 signalling a further change in criminal law in Canada. The first part of this blog will focus on the ongoing struggles and harms experienced by queer individuals at the hands of players in the criminal justice system.The second part of this blog will discuss how early judicial interpretation of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the “Charter”) improved access to jus
R v Sanderson – A Miscarriage of Justice?
Rules governing the use of evidence are critical components to ensuring the credibility and fairness of the trial process. In the criminal justice system, evidentiary rules are critical to ensuring that defence counsel can properly defend the accused. This is a fundamental principle of the criminal justice system. The case R v Sanderson highlights why credible forensic evidence and witness testimony are critical to upholding the integrity of the justice system.
The Burden of Bail on Canada’s Correctional Systems
Designed to strike a balance between individual liberty and public safety, administering bail is paramount in the State’s process of administering justice. As a response to the ongoing social concern of increasing rates of violent crime across Canada, the Government introduced Bill C-48 which modifies the Criminal Code’s current bail regime to allegedly ameliorate public safety.The blog will unpack the multifaceted systemic challenges faced by individuals navigating the Canad
