New From Me: Ontario’s cash bail law will be found unconstitutional: but that won’t mean that Doug Ford and Doug Downey's plan failed. It will mean it worked exactly as intended www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

Ontario's cash bail law is unconstitutional – and Ford knows it

The Keeping Criminals Behind Bars Act uses real human suffering to manufacture a political grievance

canadianlawyermag.com

New From Me: Ontario’s cash bail law will be found unconstitutional: but that won’t mean that Doug Ford and Doug Downey's plan failed. It will mean it worked exactly as intended www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

Ontario's cash bail law is unconstitutional – and Ford knows it

The Keeping Criminals Behind Bars Act uses real human suffering to manufacture a political grievance

canadianlawyermag.com

From me: Some advice for Pierre Poilievre, If someone tells you Mexico is safer than Vancouver, it doesn’t mean it is. And if you want to be a leader, you better start acting like one. www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

Poilievre, your doomsday depiction of Canadian crime is wearing thin

If someone tells you Mexico is safer than Vancouver, it doesn’t mean it is

canadianlawyermag.com

From me: Some advice for Pierre Poilievre, If someone tells you Mexico is safer than Vancouver, it doesn’t mean it is. And if you want to be a leader, you better start acting like one. www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

Poilievre, your doomsday depiction of Canadian crime is wearing thin

If someone tells you Mexico is safer than Vancouver, it doesn’t mean it is

canadianlawyermag.com

New from me: It is time for structural justice reform. Shuffling the deck chairs in remand court ain’t gonna stop the boat from sinking: www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

Reforming remand court requires structural, not superficial, changes

Ottawa’s attempt at fixing the intake process for criminal cases misses the mark

canadianlawyermag.com

New from me: It is time for structural justice reform. Shuffling the deck chairs in remand court ain’t gonna stop the boat from sinking: www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

Reforming remand court requires structural, not superficial, changes

Ottawa’s attempt at fixing the intake process for criminal cases misses the mark

canadianlawyermag.com

From me: Courts must consider immigration consequences in sentencing. The CPC's performative outrage has serious implications for judicial discretion & fairness. It is too much to ask politicians for some grown-up honesty when it comes to Justice policy? www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

Prohibiting judges from considering immigration consequences at sentencing ignores reality

Rempel Garner’s manufactured outrage could have serious implications for judicial discretion

canadianlawyermag.com

From me: Courts must consider immigration consequences in sentencing. The CPC's performative outrage has serious implications for judicial discretion & fairness. It is too much to ask politicians for some grown-up honesty when it comes to Justice policy? www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

Prohibiting judges from considering immigration consequences at sentencing ignores reality

Rempel Garner’s manufactured outrage could have serious implications for judicial discretion

canadianlawyermag.com

New from me: When Doug Ford refuses to disclose records, loses in court, and then moves to change the law to avoid disclosure, it raises a simple question. What is Ford trying so hard to hide? www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

Hey Ford: When you use your phone for government business, it is no longer personal

The premier isn’t protecting his privacy; he’s avoiding accountability

canadianlawyermag.com

New from me: When Doug Ford refuses to disclose records, loses in court, and then moves to change the law to avoid disclosure, it raises a simple question. What is Ford trying so hard to hide? www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

Hey Ford: When you use your phone for government business, it is no longer personal

The premier isn’t protecting his privacy; he’s avoiding accountability

canadianlawyermag.com

Danielle Smith’s referendum on judges isn’t about democracy. It’s about power. And it’s part of a troubling trend in conservative politics: misrepresenting the facts and undermining public confidence in the justice system. My latest column: www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

Danielle Smith drags the judiciary deeper into her partisan mud slinging

The Alberta Premier’s referendum is a direct threat to the proper functioning of our justice system

canadianlawyermag.com

Danielle Smith’s referendum on judges isn’t about democracy. It’s about power. And it’s part of a troubling trend in conservative politics: misrepresenting the facts and undermining public confidence in the justice system. My latest column: www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

Danielle Smith drags the judiciary deeper into her partisan mud slinging

The Alberta Premier’s referendum is a direct threat to the proper functioning of our justice system

canadianlawyermag.com

"I accept responsibility for my actions,” Luloff told reporters outside the courthouse." Except he only did that after he was convicted. We should expect better from our elected officials.

Ottawa Citizen@ottawacitizen.com · 6mo ago

Ottawa city councillor found guilty of impaired driving ottawacitizen.com/news/luloff-...

Lying about court decisions to fuel outrage isn’t “holding the system to account.” It’s poisoning it. Why Poilievre’s false claims about my client reveal a much bigger problem with grievance politics: www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

Poilievre's lies about my client illustrate a wider problem with grievance politics

Conservatives have no qualms about undermining our courts or public institutions

canadianlawyermag.com

Lying about court decisions to fuel outrage isn’t “holding the system to account.” It’s poisoning it. Why Poilievre’s false claims about my client reveal a much bigger problem with grievance politics: www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

Poilievre's lies about my client illustrate a wider problem with grievance politics

Conservatives have no qualms about undermining our courts or public institutions

canadianlawyermag.com

Ford and Downey are at it again. Another “tough on crime” bail bill that won’t reduce crime, won’t improve safety, and will violate the Constitution while punishing poverty. Their Cash bail grift is bad law and worse policy. www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

Ford and Downey’s bail proposal gives freedom to the rich and cages the poor

Their soundbite-driven policy is a mask to hide their failures to ensure community safety

canadianlawyermag.com

Ford and Downey are at it again. Another “tough on crime” bail bill that won’t reduce crime, won’t improve safety, and will violate the Constitution while punishing poverty. Their Cash bail grift is bad law and worse policy. www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

Ford and Downey’s bail proposal gives freedom to the rich and cages the poor

Their soundbite-driven policy is a mask to hide their failures to ensure community safety

canadianlawyermag.com

The Supreme Court applied the Charter. Politicians answered with fear mongering, Charter-bashing, and even calls for vigilante murders. These politicians care more about scoring political points and undermining the rule of law than protecting kids: www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

The Supreme Court's Senneville decision rejected moral panic, so should politicians

Kinew, Poilievre and Smith distort the reality of mandatory minimums for political gain

canadianlawyermag.com

The Supreme Court applied the Charter. Politicians answered with fear mongering, Charter-bashing, and even calls for vigilante murders. These politicians care more about scoring political points and undermining the rule of law than protecting kids: www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

The Supreme Court's Senneville decision rejected moral panic, so should politicians

Kinew, Poilievre and Smith distort the reality of mandatory minimums for political gain

canadianlawyermag.com

Getting ready to listen to the @bluejays.com by candle light in the middle of the Canadian wilderness. A perfect time to close the cottage!

Bail is a hot topic with politicians, for both the liars and the cowards. There is a problem with bail, just not no the one the politicians are talking about. But I guess it is easier to fundraise on outrage and misinformation than real solutions. youtu.be/cbBPU9XOgVE?...

Reverse-onus will not solve 'real problems' with the bail system: defence lawyer | Power & Politics

YouTube video by CBC News

youtu.be

Police investigating crime is their job. Trying to control prosecutions or threaten justice system participants isn’t. My latest in Canadian Lawyer on the growing and dangerous trend of police interference in our justice system: www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

Police pressure threatens the independence of our justice system

Public attacks on plea deals undermine trust and the core principles of our justice system

canadianlawyermag.com

Police investigating crime is their job. Trying to control prosecutions or threaten justice system participants isn’t. My latest in Canadian Lawyer on the growing and dangerous trend of police interference in our justice system: www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

Police pressure threatens the independence of our justice system

Public attacks on plea deals undermine trust and the core principles of our justice system

canadianlawyermag.com

Please help support a brave woman. Today the Court of Appeal denied Bowie bail, saying the case was "overwhelming" and calling Bowie's defence "a conspiratorial narrative, with grandiose features, that was devoid of reality." Read it: here coadecisions.ontariocourts.ca/coa/coa/en/i...)

Michael Spratt@mspratt.bsky.social · last yr.

Today, disgraced Ottawa lawyer James Bowie is being sentenced for harassment and threats. He wanted to kill Leanne, who exposed him. Leanne showed incredible courage by coming forward. Now it’s time to help her rebuild her life. Stand with her today: gofund.me/e6a2b8dc

We’re going to hear lots about justice reform over the next few months. Cutting through the BS, and there is lots of BS, is difficult. Today I spoke with @globalnews.ca about why the Constitution matters and why we need to pump the breaks on the tough on crime rhetoric: youtu.be/7gLuYqvXZ88

Is bail reform in Canada possible within the Constitution?

YouTube video by Global News

youtu.be

Carney said those presumed legally innocent should not be in a position “where they commit a crime one day and they’re arrested and then out of jail, out on bail the next.” Dont wory Mark, in Ottawa it usually takes days for a bail hearing, so we are good. www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...

Carney will introduce legislation next month to tighten bail system

Prime Minister said goal is to ensure people accused of violent crimes such as gun offences, home invasions and auto thefts ‘pay the price they should’

theglobeandmail.com

From me on self defence laws: The only thing most Canadians need protection from is politicians who think dishonest fear mongering for political gain is a form of public service: www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

Castle laws won't fix what Ford and Poilievre claim is broken in self-defence rules

Heated rhetoric about charging man for stabbing home intruder ignores existing protections

canadianlawyermag.com

Donate if you can because FUCK THIS GUY.

Michael Spratt@mspratt.bsky.social · last yr.

Yesterday James Bowie was sentenced to 4 years in prison. His victim, Leanne, showed remarkable courage by speaking out to warn others about this predator. Now we can help her rebuild her life with safety, dignity & hope. Please stand with her today: gofund.me/3b01402a

Yesterday James Bowie was sentenced to 4 years in prison. His victim, Leanne, showed remarkable courage by speaking out to warn others about this predator. Now we can help her rebuild her life with safety, dignity & hope. Please stand with her today: gofund.me/3b01402a

Donate to Help Leanne Rebuild After Unimaginable Betrayal and Trauma, organized by Michael Spratt

Leanne’s life was shattered by the very person she thought sh… Michael Spratt needs your support for Help Leanne Rebuild After Unimaginable Betrayal and Trauma

gofund.me

James Bowie has been sentenced to 4 years in prison. His victim, Leanne, showed remarkable courage by speaking out. Now we can help her rebuild her life with safety, dignity & hope. Please stand with her today: gofund.me/3b01402a

Donate to Help Leanne Rebuild After Unimaginable Betrayal and Trauma, organized by Michael Spratt

Leanne’s life was shattered by the very person she thought sh… Michael Spratt needs your support for Help Leanne Rebuild After Unimaginable Betrayal and Trauma

gofund.me

Luke LeBrun@lukelebrun.ca · last yr.

"Disgraced former lawyer James Bowie sat expressionless in the prisoner’s box Tuesday as a judge imposed a four-year penitentiary sentence for extortion, criminal harassment and uttering threats related to a former client"