Time Versus Evidence: Do Time Restrictions on NCRDM Applications Change Expert Witness Decisions?
In R. v Landrick [2022] BCCA 181, the appeal hinges on new expert evidence with the application of a “Not Criminally Responsible due to Mental Disability” (NCRMD) application. While an application for an NCRMD assessment is generally used as a defence during an original trial, there are instances where it can be used on appeal. The explanation given by the appeal Judge in this case calls attention to how limited time to receive an NCRMD assessment can impact expert witnesses
The Double-Edged Sword of Investigative Genetic Genealogy: Convictions and Privacy
In 2018, American authorities finally solved the infamous cold case of the Golden State Killer, more than 40 years after his first crime was committed. Joseph DeAngelo, a former police officer who committed at least 12 murders and 50 sexual assaults across California, was finally identified using investigative genetic genealogy (“IGG”). This investigative technique uses DNA analysis and public genetic genealogy databases to identify suspects by tracing them through their gene
The Intersection of Credibility and Stereotypes in the Family Violence Context
Family violence is defined broadly in the Divorce Act, including any conduct “that is violent or threatening or that constitutes a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour.”[i] This includes psychological abuse and financial abuse.[ii]Family violence has been recognized by the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) as being “notoriously difficult to prove.”
Protecting Privacy at the Expense of Victims’ Rights: R v Bykovets
The internet has forever altered the criminal landscape, making it easier for offenders to collect, share and trade child sexual abuse material (CSAM) across both the regular and dark web. Between 2014 and 2022, there were 15,630 reports from police of online sexual offences against children and 45,816 reports of online CSAM in Canada.
"AI is reshaping Canadian Criminal Law" - a podcast
Produced by third-year Robson Hall law students Jayden and Andreas for Robson Crim, this episode looks at how AI is reshaping Canadian criminal law from both directions at once: the state’s growing use of AI in policing and surveillance, and criminals’ use of AI to scale fraud and identity theft. The first half sketches the privacy and Charter backdrop, then walks through tools like predictive policing and facial recognition, raising concerns about bias, and “feedback loops”
