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Two years ago, Canadians were given the right to legally buy and grow their own marijuana plants, as long as they follow rules set down by federal, provincial and municipal governments under the Cannabis Act.

Police take assault allegations very seriously. If someone reports an assault, especially in a domestic situation, it is likely that someone will be charged with an assault and leaving in handcuffs after officers arrive.

Assault allegations are very serious which is why it is imperative to seek the advice of an experienced defence attorney if you are being investigated for the offence.

The Crown considers sexual assault one of the worst types of offences. Your chances of beating a sexual assault charge as a self-represented litigant are slim. That is because the evidence and procedural rules are complicated. It is not enough to say you didn’t do it – you need a legal expert who has a thorough understanding of the law to present your defence.

When people think of weapons, guns or knives often come to mind. But anything that can inflict harm can be considered a weapon, including a frying pan, a flower pot or a baseball bat.

Many people do not have a clear understanding about the charge of sexual assault. The charge of sexual assault has a very broad application in Canadian law.

A federal bill that would allow municipalities to ban handguns through bylaws restricting their possession, storage and transportation fails to address the root causes of crime, not to mention the constitutional challenges it presents.

We are bound by the law. Our system of justice has evolved over the years with the lofty ideal of maintaining order and serving the public good. As society changes, we must adapt to new realities, but we should never sway from the notion that a law lacking in fairness is not justice.

Alberta’s recent decision to ban carding while allowing legitimate street checks to continue is a welcome policy change that should reduce allegations of discrimination against the police.

The right to a timely trial is enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, but that legislative promise is endangered by the coronavirus lockdown. Those involved in sexual assault cases are especially impacted, considering the painful social stigma that accompanies the crime.

As a criminal defence lawyer, I believe it is important for police to be held accountable for their actions. To some extent, the courts are able to do that but certainly, there can be a more fulsome and effective manner to deal with police outside of the court.

The federal government’s misguided ban on “assault weapons” not only fails to tackle the real root of gun violence in Canada but it represents wedge politics at its absolute worst.