Law Matters

Parole explained

Feb 14, 2012 / 5:00 am

This column is intended to shed some light on parole, an often misunderstood topic. First of all, parole refers to the early release (from jail) of a prisoner...

First vs. second degree murder

Feb 7, 2012 / 5:00 am

There seems to be some public confusion about the difference between first and second degree murder. This column is intended to reduce that confusion. Please...

Pedophiles and haunted houses

Jan 31, 2012 / 5:00 am

When buying a home, people typically consider affordability, access to hospitals, proximity to work/schools, and the property’s condition. Most purchasers...

Corporate criminals

Jan 24, 2012 / 5:00 am

Just as individuals can be charged with ‘true crimes’, such as theft, fraud, and manslaughter, so too can corporations. Obviously, corporations...

McDonald's and its hot coffee

Jan 17, 2012 / 5:00 am

Few cases are as infamous (and as misreported) as Liebeck v. McDonald's Restaurants, P.T.S. Inc., 1995 WL 360309 (N.M. Dist.)). It has gained international...

Bullies, schools and lawsuits

Jan 10, 2012 / 5:00 am

Winter vacation is over and children are back in school. For many children, the return to school is less than enjoyable as bullying is common and efforts to...

Prevent crime before it occurs

Jan 3, 2012 / 5:00 am

Last week, I discussed three programs/initiatives that combat the root causes of crime: 1) Prolific Offender Management Program, 2) Vancouver’s Drug...

How to prevent crime?

Dec 27, 2011 / 5:00 am

Crime hurts us; it disproportionately affects our insurance, health care, and social services. Violent crime also tears the fabric of our society and attacks...

Do severe punishments deter crime?

Dec 20, 2011 / 5:00 am

It is seemingly public opinion that severe and harsh sentences are required to prevent future crime. Almost every week, I hear someone say, “If penalties...

Gruesome history of sentencing

Dec 13, 2011 / 5:00 am

If you have been paying attention to the news, you have heard about the proposed changes to Canada’s sentencing/criminal laws, namely Bill C-10 –...

Genetic discrimination on the horizon

Nov 21, 2011 / 5:00 am

Most everyone can say that they have been discriminated against at some point in their lives, whether it was based on skin colour, a physical attribute,...