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Courts & Justice Headlines

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Malik suspended VANCOUVER - Almost seven years after he was found to have misled BC Supreme Court about his family's finances, lawyer Jaspreet Singh Malik has been suspended for a month and ordered to pay $2,520 to the Law Society of BC. (Vancouver Sun) Class action lawsuit EDMONTON - Alberta's high court has ruled a class-action lawsuit can proceed against the government over fees charged to residents in long-term care homes. The society claims the province overcharged some 14,000 seniors more than $128M over a two-year period. (Edmonton Journal) NB Law Society opens hearings The New Brunswick Law Society will start opening disciplinary hearings for the province's lawyers to the public. (CBC) RELATED: Ontario lawyer disbarred Taxman can't jump queue OTTAWA - Federal and provincial tax collectors are no different from other creditors of a bankrupt company and cannot force a trustee to pay the taxes ahead of others, Canada' highest court ruled. (CBC) JUDGMENT: 2009 SCC 49 Legal aid expands WINNIPEG - The Law Society of Manitoba has approved a pilot project to make lawyers affordable for the people who often fall between the cracks of the legal system - the middle class. The province’s poor can access Legal Aid Manitoba when they need a lawyer and the affluent can simply write a cheque, but it’s those in between who are often unable to afford legal services, which start at more than $100 per hour. (Winnipeg Free Press) RELATED: Lawyers told to stop behaving badly Crash victim gets $18M An Ontario woman has been awarded more than $18M, thought to be the highest award in Canadian history for injuries suffered in a car accident. (Toronto Star) Law society’s 'good character' TORONTO - A convicted hijacker and terrorist who is facing deportation tried to convince the Law Society of Upper Canada that he's rehabilitated and should be called to practise law in Ontario. (Sun Media) PREVIOUS: Hijacker says he shouldn't be deported Compensation due TORONTO - Ontario's Ministry of the Attorney General is in the highly unusual position of having to pay thousands of dollars in legal costs to nine alleged gang members who were denied timely bail hearings. (Toronto Star)	Class action blowback TORONTO - The unusual scenario could hardly have been envisioned five years ago, when a team of class-action lawyers led by the Toronto firm of Roy, Elliott, O'Connor LLP, appeared before the judge with a proposed retainer agreement, which would have seen 50% of pension arrears paid to the claimants diverted to the lawyers. (Toronto Star) Loss of passport challenged MONTREAL - A Montreal man is asking the Quebec Superior Court to strike down a federal law that can see parents who don’t pay child support lose their passports and other licences. (CBC) New trial ordered OTTAWA - The Supreme Court of Canada has ordered a new trial for an Edmonton man charged with luring a 12-year-old girl in an internet chat room. In a 7-0 decision, the top court ruled that the judge at Craig Legare's 2006 trial erred by acquitting him. (CBC) JUDGMENT: 2009 SCC 56 Man acquitted SCC upholds acquittal OTTAWA - The Supreme Court of Canada has upheld the acquittal of a Quebec man, who was arrested by police who mistook him for his brother, and later found to be carrying a bag of crack cocaine. In a 5-2 decision, the Supreme Court said that the trial judge did not err when she ruled that police had no reasonable grounds to arrest Adele Burke in the first place. (CBC) JUDGMENT: 2009 SCC 57l No malice OTTAWA - The Supreme Court of Canada says a Crown attorney who pressed a controversial sex-abuse case against two families of Saskatchewan foster parents in the 1990s did not act in malice. (Toronto Star) JUDGMENT: 2009 SCC 51 SCC exonerates Crown attorney Stronger shield against lawsuits SK pay $1.5M to Klassen & Kvello Miazga malicious prosecution case Klassen/Kvello civil action SK ritual abuse hoax Disbarred lawyer sentenced HALIFAX - A disgraced Halifax lawyer has been sentenced to four years in prison for stealing more than $1.3M from nearly three dozen clients. Srinivassen Pillay was sentenced Monday in Halifax after pleading guilty to 34 counts of theft. (CBC)

Civil liberties vs. justice TORONTO - A judge of the Ontario Court of Appeal said he worries Canadians will treat the Charter of Rights and Freedoms with disdain if courts routinely throw out evidence of serious crime because it has been obtained through police misconduct. (Toronto Star) Crisis of confidence Court chaos shouldn't deny justice Public faith in justice system declining: report Rights of accused stronger than victim's There will be one law for all Ontarians Bureaucrats: automatic prison terms won't work	Challenging publication bans Hide IDs in court rulings, privacy chief says Community court Differences between community & regular court No hugs for thugs Delays jamming up BC courts Judges routinely waive fines Plea deals Alberta courts flawed: top judge Courtly correspondence Another secret trial Secret trial ruling limits police wiretaps

Rewriting our libel laws OTTAWA - The free press has become freer after the Supreme Court rewrote Canada's anachronistic libel laws in dealing with two high profile cases - one involving the Star, another the Ottawa Citizen. (Toronto Star)	2009 SCC 61 2009 SCC 62 SCC strikes a blow for 'productive debate' SCC advances free expression SCC broadens defence against defamation SCC back press No matter what happens, you're not smart enough to know about any of it

Ex loses common-law case MONTREAL - The former common-law spouse of a Quebec billionaire has lost her bid to get the same rights and obligations as people who are legally married. . (Montreal Gazette)	Retro solutions to crime problems CALGARY - Alison Redford wants to revamp the joke of a criminal justice system to bring it into line with the expectations of severely sane Canadians. (Sun Media)

Man found guilty of threatening crown attorney WINNIPEG - A Winnipeg man has been found guilty of threatening to burn down the home of a provincial Crown attorney only hours after he was sentenced for threatening to kill her. Patrick Noble, 26, was convicted of criminal harassment and uttering threats. (Mike on Crime)	Woman suing for $2.5M TORONTO - A Canadian woman who was stranded in Kenya for three months when her passport was rejected by Canadian consular officials who believed her to be an impostor, is suing the government for $2.5M. (Montreal Gazette) PREVIOUS: Diplomat recalled How much is 3 months worth?

Double sided appeal WINNIPEG - Jeff Cansanay walked free on a murder charge after two key Crown witnesses refused to testify against him and the trial judge wouldn't allow their videotaped statements to be played in court. Corey Spence was found guilty in the same case after a different judge ruled the controversial statements could be played for the jury. Two identical situations. Two different decisions. (Winnipeg Free Press)	Lawyer acquitted EDMONTON - An Edmonton lawyer accused of playing a key role in a $30M mortgage fraud has been acquitted of all charges. In a decision released Friday, Court of Queen's Bench Justice Vital Ouellette ruled Scott Park, 43, is not guilty of conspiracy to commit fraud. The ruling comes seven months after Ouellette quashed 42 additional related charges. (Edmonton Journal) PREVIOUS: Kingpin in $30M fraud jailed

Crown lawyer wants strip search ruled 'sexual assault' TORONTO - A Toronto Crown attorney who was forced to submit to a police strip search is asking a Superior Court judge today to lay sexual assault charges against those officers. (Sun Media) PREVIOUS: Crown lawyer accuses police of racism TPA alleges misconduct in dropping of charges	SCC rejects appeal OTTAWA - Four killers convicted of first-degree murder in gang-style shootings failed to convince the Supreme Court of Canada that their convictions should be overturned because the judges in their cases did not properly warn their juries about evidence from unsavoury witnesses. (CanWest) JUDGMENT: 2009 SCC 4 2009 SCC 5

Jailing mentally ill WHITEHOUSE - The Yukon Court of Appeal says using a prison as a hospital for the mentally ill does not infringe on a person's human rights under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. (CBC)	BC Transit violated free speech OTTAWA - BC Transit violated rights to free speech when it refused to carry political ads on the outside of its buses, the Supreme Court of Canada has ruled. (CTV) JUDGMENT: 2009 SCC 31

Witness safety urged CALGARY - Frustrated by a growing fear and silence among witnesses connected to gang crime, police agencies are asking the province to develop its own witness protection program similar to others across the country. (Calgary Herald)	US courts cannot trump Canadian OTTAWA - The Supreme Court of Canada refused to defer to American courts in a ruling that concluded that a lawsuit filed in the US does not mean a similar action cannot be pursued in Canada. (CanWest) JUDGMENT: 2009 SCC 11

Arrest violated charter VICTORIA - A Victoria defence lawyer is arguing that the charter rights of a homeless heroin addict were violated when he was arrested with a needle in his hand in a secluded parking lot off Herald Street in June 2006. (Victoria Times Colonist) Charter a living bush of poison ivy Judge tosses charge Jail conditions violate killer's Charter rights Judge throws out drug case	Lawyers' Association v. Ontario, 2007 ONCA 392 BC (AG) v. Christie Mixed signals from courts on openness Rights infringed Drunk-driving charge axed Reduced sentence due to race Charter challenged on prostitution John challenges prostitution laws Prostitution laws face challenge

Privacy czar investigating TORONTO - Fearing that jurors' privacy rights are being violated, Ontario's privacy commissioner is launching a probe into mounting allegations that police have been doing secret background checks on jurors. (Toronto Star) ICBC faces audit after privacy breaches Vetting jurors once routine	Police ran jury checks Secret jury vetting prompts privacy probe Probe lacks teeth Taking steps to stop vetting More secret juror screening 'Tainted' jury panels get the boot Details of secret police jury checks revealed Publication ban

JP found guilty TORONTO - At old city hall he's known as His Worship Jorge Barroilhet, a justice of the peace who once ran a Toronto paralegal business, fighting traffic tickets in court. (Toronto Star) Honour system inadequate Forgot to disclose conviction Would-be judge 'forgot' conviction Justice of the peace facing charge Judge charged Incompetent lawyer disrupts trial Judge's partner hit with libel penalty Disorder in the night court Judge's bad conduct frees man	Judge must share his pension Judges warned Jury nullification Judge unfit for office Judge admits 'error in judgment' BC judge apologizes Foul-mouthed judge gets backing from AG Judge who cursed to preside at special session Hells Angel acquitted in trafficking case BC judge resigns after being arrested Charge stayed against BC judge Disturbance charge wasn't judge's first Former federal prosecutor not guilty RCMP used hydroponic shop in Welland string

Lawyers a luxury OTTAWA - Lawyers have to come o grips with the prospect that they are a "luxury good" that may no longer be needed in the country's courtrooms as more litigants represent themselves, warns a leading Canadian legal publication, The National. (CanWest) Judge rips lawyers for excessive fees Court in crisis Stuck together: Inside the modern divorce Family fills court docket Justice for all: a blueprint Civil Justice Reform Project Canadian lawyers begin to outsource work Law service helps Courts issues too many publication bans 'Too many cases set for trial' Wheels of justice seizing up	CBA task force on conflicts of interest Greening your law firm: A practical guide Lawyers want more money 3 free trial days BC's court costs impede justice Gang laws mean we need more money, lawyers Fire chief fighting costly battles Effective, affordable civil justice keys Getting back daughter $180,000 SCC moves to help litigants Representing yourself Legal system too costly: Gomery Apologies could cost, feds warned Saying sorry to be made less costly? BC Apology Act Justice comes at too high a price Taking your own counsel The dark side of justice Lawyers’ fee fight

Leniency behind growth of youth crime There's and old adage in economics: If you want more of something, subsidize it; if you want less, tax it. The same could also be said slightly differently in sociology: If you want more of a certain behaviour, reward it; if you want less, punish it. There are complicating factors in both disciplines, but as general rules, both adages hold true. (Edmonton Journal) Fewer youths charged with crime Canadian Research Institute Time for the truth Crime stats: drilling down for the truth	Interrogators must tailor questioning of youth Jailing of youths in BC down by half Youth custody 2005-2006 Crime statistics 2007 Gang violence bucks stats can research Crime statistics, headlines at odds Defining crime down to our comfort level Crime rate continues steady decline Number of youths sentenced drops Youth custody 2004/2005 Boy accused in auto thefts faces judge Courts failing us Rally demands youth justice changes Edmonton march Prison would 'contaminate' killer

BC Appeal Court holds judges to impossible standard VANCOUVER - First Kelly Ellard got one, and now Darlene Young has received a get-out-of-jail-free card from the BC Court of Appeal, though both were convicted twice of murder. The province's highest court has ordered expensive new trials in both cases because appeal panels concluded the judges in each case screwed up instructing the jury. In doing so, the court of appeal appears to be ignoring the common sense of jurors and holding the trial judges to a standard few can meet. (Vancouver Sun) BC Court of Appeal shortens again Appeal court overturns reporter's firing RCMP officer's liability upheld Shoplifter wins against security guards BC Appeal Court upholds blame against cops BC Court of Appeals	SCC overrides BC Court of Appeal 2009 SCC 41 Court of Appeal tells Ottawa to amend Indian Act Guilty pleas after BC Court overturn convictions BC Court of Appeal overturns another conviction BC Court of Appeal orders new trial Brute would face quick exit, but BC Court of Appeals latest BC Court of Appeal reduce conditional sentence BC Court orders another new trial BC Court of Appeal acquits Convicted twice, not guilty now Third day in court 4th trial 4th trial for Ellard BC judge rebuked Make the justice system accountable Murder conviction quashed BC's bizarre justice system

SCC reinstates conviction OTTAWA - The Supreme Court of Canada ruled to reinstate a murder conviction against Kelly Ellard in the brutal killing of BC teenager Reena Virk 11 years ago. (CTV) 2009 SCC 27	Conviction restored SCC upholds conviction Weak link in the chain of justice Murder of Virk and trials of Ellard The many trials of Kelly Ellard SCC reserves judgment Justice system failed

Lawyer's spin The lawyer for Gilles Blackburn says she's surprised by the level of animosity being thrust toward her client. When asked if the court action might force search and rescue teams to reconsider their volunteer work, Nancy Wilhelm-Morden, Blackburn's lawyer said, "That's what liability insurance is for." (CP)	Lawsuit puts a burden on rescue volunteers Rescue crews consider shutdowns Lawsuit will forever alter search & rescue Good Samaritan law Shutting down search & rescue BC rescuers stop service

Accused should get access to relevant police files OTTAWA - Canadians who are charged with crimes have a right to internal police files about officer misconduct if the information is relevant to the accused's case, the Supreme Court of Canada said. (CanWest) JUDGMENT: 2009 SCC 3	Enough NANAIMO - Jerry Rose alleges that various computer systems and chips run by the RCMP and the province have been controlling his thoughts and behaviour. (Nanaimo Daily News) PREVIOUS: Judge throws out lawsuit Mind control not a farce BC judge hears $2B lawsuit Tin foil hat

Man must pay child support TORONTO - A Toronto-area man must continue paying child support to his former wife despite DNA tests proving he is not the biological father of her 16-year-old twins, an Ontario Superior Court judge has ruled. (National Post)	Developers found liable VANCOUVER - The developers of the Westin Grand Hotel have been found liable to pay compensation to investors as a result of false financial projections that were overly optimistic. (Vancouver Sun)

SCC overturns conviction OTTAWA - The Supreme Court of Canada overturned a first-degree murder conviction and ordered a new trial for a Hungarian drug dealer who was in Canada illegally when he was charged with shooting an associate whose severed head was found near Squamish, BC. (CanWest) JUDGMENT: 2008 SCC 57	Justify why libel law needs change OTTAWA - The country's top judges, faced with an appeal that could establish a new defence against defamation lawsuits, have challenged Canadian media organizations to justify why journalists should be given a greater "right to be wrong." (Toronto Star) PREVIOUS: SCC ruling to clarify free speech right

SCC rejects privacy of trash OTTAWA - There is a no constitutional right to privacy of trash set outside for municipal collectors, the Supreme Court ruled. (CanWest) 2009 SCC 17	SCC rules police can search your trash Trash' case tests privacy rights Police have right to hunt through trash Trash search 'violated' pair

Police need search warrant VANCOUVER - A BC Supreme Court judge has upheld a provincial law that allows municipal inspection teams to investigate homes suspected of being marijuana-growing operations, but ruled that police cannot enter a residence without a warrant in a case involving a Hells Angels associate. (Vancouver Sun)	Justices seek to scrap family court TORONTO - Two of Ontario's chief justices are calling for the province's family court system to be scrapped and replaced with a new model that would see custody and property disputes decided by judges housed in the same courthouse, alongside a variety of family support services. (Toronto Star)

Blocking transfer "unreasonable' OTTAWA - Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day's crackdown on transferring Canadians from US prisons has been dealt a blow by a judge who has ordered the minister to reconsider his "wholly unreasonable" decision to block a convicted child molester's request to serve out his sentence in his home country. (Ottawa Citizen)	Lawyer challenges ban SASKATOON - A Saskatchewan law designed to hinder organized crime by prohibiting gang colours in bars is being challenged on the grounds it is unconstitutional. (Saskatoon Star Phoenix) PREVIOUS: Police target nightclub violence Privacy laws may kill Bar Watch Anti-gang effort promotes safety in downtown bars, restaurants

Employers can sack chronically absent workers OTTAWA - Hydro-Quebec was justified in firing a depressed employee with a track record of chronic absenteeism, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled. (CanWest) JUDGMENT: 2008 SCC 43	New trial BRANTFORD - In a 3-0 ruling, the court overturned Peter Mathisen's second-degree murder conviction, saying the judge in his 2005 trial failed to instruct the jury on a defence open to the father-of-three - that his wife's death was caused by "an unintended act." (Toronto Star)

Fine reduced for welfare fraud VANCOUVER - Two welfare cheats who were fined $150,000 for defrauding the government have had the fine reduced on appeal to $10,000 each. (Vancouver Province)	Abortion clinics remain protected VANCOUVER - BC's highest court has upheld a law that established bubble zones around abortion clinics under siege from protesters. (Vancouver Province)

SCC puts muzzle on police dogs OTTAWA - There will likely be a lot fewer scent-sniffing dogs routinely sticking their noses in public places following a Supreme Court of Canada ruling that tightened the leash on police powers to use the canines for random sweeps. (Ottawa Citizen) JUDGMENT: 2008 SCC 19 MORE: Local cases likely impacted by court's ruling Muzzling of sniffer dog won't alter private business	Break for violent offender PENTICTON - BC Supreme Court Justice Austin Cullen has bent over backwards to go soft on a violent chronic criminal by refusing to label him a "dangerous" offender. In a lengthy, odd decision, the judge ruled against a Crown application to have Wilfred Charles Baptiste - a vicious, mentally challenged addict with four-score and more convictions - indefinitely imprisoned. (Vancouver Sun)

Beaver Lake Cree sues EDMONTON - A northern Alberta aboriginal band has launched a civil lawsuit claiming unbridled oil and gas development in their traditional territory renders their treaty rights meaningless. (Edmonton Journal)	Shoplifter's rights violated OTTAWA - A woman who was convicted of shoplifting and later rejected from becoming a police officer because of her past won her case at the Supreme Court of Canada yesterday. (Ottawa Citizen) JUDGMENT: 2008 SCC 48

Solicitor-client privilege OTTAWA - The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled against the federal privacy commissioner's quest to secure documents for an investigation on the grounds that the documents were protected by solicitor-client privilege. (CanWest) JUDGMENT: 2008 SCC 44	5 years for bribery scheme OXFORD, Miss. - Richard 'Dickie' Scruggs, who became one of the wealthiest lawyers in the country by taking on tobacco, asbestos and insurance companies, was sentenced to five years in prison for conspiring to bribe a judge. (AP) PREVIOUS: US Class action lawsuits

Lead by example VICTORIA - I've got a great suggestion for Madam Justice Carol Ross, the judge who ruled last week that it's OK for street people to camp in city parks: Why not let the homeless just bunk down in your courtroom every night? After all, it's a public space and it would be a lot more comfortable for people than sleeping in a cold, wet park. (Vancouver Province)	Right to camp in parks Court upholds right to camp in public parks Police wary of power to round up homeless Judge pitched her tent on shaky grounds Homeless bylaws 'unconstitutional' No solutions in courts 'I'm trying not to gloat too much' Police break up tent city Right to camp in city parks

Parliament has right to create minimum sentences OTTAWA - The Supreme Court of Canada has issued a landmark ruling upholding the right of Parliament to create mandatory minimum sentences under the Criminal Code. . (CanWest) JUDGEMENT: R. v. Ferguson, 2008 SCC 6	Pot smell not grounds for search SASKATOON - The scent of marijuana wafting from an open car window doesn't give an officer grounds to make an arrest and search a vehicle, according to a recent decision from the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal. (Saskatoon Star Phoenix) RELATED: Ontario court allows unjust searches

Ahenakew acquitted SASKATOON - A Saskatoon judge has acquitted former aboriginal leader David Ahenakew of wilfully promoting hatred against Jews. (CP) Acquitted Not guilty 3 minutes = 7 years in court	David Ahenakew 2nd trial for hate crimes Another trial for Ahenakew New trial for Ahenakew Conviction overturned Ahenakew apologizes (Dec. 2002) BC Apology Act Allport's scale

Judge strikes down law OTTAWA - A Federal Court judge struck down the contentious Safe Third Country Agreement between Canada and the United States. The agreement, which came into force in 2004, requires would-be refugees to make their claims in the first of the two countries in which they land. (CBC)	SCC rejects fly-in-water appeal OTTAWA - A hairdresser who claimed the torment of finding dead flies in his bottled water wrecked his sleep, his sex life, his business and his ability to take showers has lost his bid for psychological damages in a ruling Thursday morning in the Supreme Court of Canada. (CanWest) JUDGMENT: 2008 SCC 27

Ethical complaint rejected BOULDER - The Colorado Supreme Court's Attorney Regulation Counsel has rejected a south Boulder couple's request that the state investigate their neighbors - a former judge and attorney - for ethical misconduct in a land dispute. (Boulder Daily Camera) PREVIOUS: Obscure doctrine gives former judge part of neighbours' land Property right wrongly taken 2nd judge succeeded in land grab	Former pupils seek redress EDMONTON - Three hearing-impaired people have launched a class-action lawsuit against the Alberta government alleging "brutal and callous disregard" and "complete lack of care" for children who attended the Alberta School for the Deaf between 1955 and 1996. It is expected to be the first of several lawsuits alleging abuse of deaf students across Canada. (Edmonton Journal)

Right to remain silent not a given OTTAWA - The right to silence in Canada is not an absolute rule that requires police to stop interrogating people who have no wish to speak with investigators, the Supreme Court of Canada has ruled. (Toronto Star) JUDGMENT: R. v. Singh, 2007 SCC 48	$350-an-hour rate unfair VICTORIA - The former "honorary solicitor" for the Victoria Golf Club has had his legal fees for representing the club in a dispute with a contractor cut in half after it was found his $350-an-hour rate was "inappropriately high." (Vancouver Province)

Murderer sues government Ronald Smith, the 50-year-old Albertan facing execution in the US, is taking the Conservative government to court over its decision not to seek clemency for him from Montana's death row. (Ottawa Citizen)	Dion, Layton send their own letters to Montana governor Why not a thought for the two victims? Ottawa won't try to save Canadian on US death row

Ex-crystal meth addict wins SASKATOON - A Saskatchewan woman who overdosed on crystal methamphetamine has successfully won a precedent-setting civil lawsuit against the drug dealer who sold her the highly addictive drug. (CTV) PREVIOUS: Woman wins crystal meth lawsuit	Judge tosses lawyer's charges NEWMARKET - A judge has thrown out charges against a York Region lawyer who was accused of participating in a mortgage fraud, ruling he has already suffered financially, emotionally and physically because of a delay in bringing his charges to court. (Toronto Star)

High court treads line OTTAWA - Closed-door judicial hearings should only be allowed as "a last resort" and judges must make every effort to uphold the "open court principle," the Supreme Court of Canada said Thursday in an important ruling on public access to the court system. (CanWest) PREVIOUS: Named Person v. Vancouver Sun 2007 SCC 43	Court cuts jail time VANCOUVER - BC Supreme Court Justice Glen Parrett sentenced Jody James Gunning on March 22, 2007 after he pleaded guilty to manslaughter at his second trial. He was first charged on May 6, 2000 with second-degree murder for the shooting of Chester Charlie in Fraser Lake. (Vancouver Province) PREVIOUS: R. v. Gunning 2005 SCC 27

Court strikes down agreement OTTAWA - The United States is not a safe country for refugees, the Federal Court said Thursday as it ruled that Canada will no longer have the right to turn back asylum seekers at the border. In the surprise judgment, the court found that Safe Third Country Agreement breaches the rights of asylum seekers under the United Nation Refugee Convention or the Convention against Torture. (CTV) RELATED: US says it has right to kidnap British citizens	Newspaper uses Anton Piller order ST JOHN - Brunswick News Inc. has used a little-known legal procedure to allow the search of a home of a former newspaper publisher to try to ensure he doesn't use confidential information to start his own publication. William Kenneth Langdon resigned as publisher of the Woodstock Bugle-Observer on Sept. 19 and has since opened the office of the Carleton Free Press, which is expected to launch its first issue in November. (CBC)

Disorders plague psychiatrists EDMONTON - Name-calling, factions and conspiracies are common in the "dysfunctional" office of more than a dozen psychiatrists who analyze criminals for the courts, an Edmonton judge has found.. (Edmonton Journal)	Allow police to testify for spouses VICTORIA - A murder-suicide by a man Victoria police identified as a threat to his wife and family has prompted BC's attorney-general to push for Criminal Code changes allowing police to testify on behalf of reluctant complainants. (CanWest)

Adoption law struck down TORONTO - Adoptees and birth parents will no longer be privy to the personal information contained in adoption records after Ontario Superior Court yesterday struck down nascent legislation that allowed adoption records to be opened. (National Post) MORE: Court strikes down law on adoption	BC Court referees a family dispute VANCOUVER - A dog throws up on the furniture and before you know it, a beautiful friendship is ruined and a family ends up in BC Supreme Court fighting an ugly and expensive internecine lawsuit. This feud, triggered by petty events with tiny stakes, got to the province's top trial court -- and shouldn't have. (Vancouver Sun)

US courts struggle to get jurors Courts across the country have been going to extraordinary lengths in recent years to get people to report for jury duty - a cornerstone of democracy and a civic responsibility that many citizens would do almost anything to avoid. (AP)	Woman sues over toilet accident EDMONTON - An Edmonton woman is suing Canada Safeway for $1.1 million after she allegedly tried to sit down on a broken toilet in the grocery store and injured her back. (Edmonton Journal)

Home invader loses appeal OTTAWA - A BC man convicted of using a gun during a home invasion, even though the gun was actually in his car during the crime, has lost his appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada. (CanWest) JUDGMENT: R. v. Steele, 2007 SCC 36	Restriction on English schooling MONTREAL - Quebec's Court of Appeal yesterday struck down a clause of the province's language law that barred non-anglophone children who previously attended private English-language schools from English public schools. (Montreal Gazette) New trial ordered, in English

Judge blisters cops for taping A Quebec Superior Court judge has declared the contents of wiretapped conversations between a Hells Angels lawyer and his clients inadmissible as evidence. (Montreal Gazette)	Lawsuit is not a SLAPP in the face MONTREAL - An industrialist who's filed a $5-million lawsuit against an environmental group denied yesterday the legal action is designed to intimidate his opponents. (Montreal Gazette)

Store bylaw invades privacy TORONTO - The Ontario Court of Appeal has struck down sections of a controversial Oshawa bylaw that require second-hand dealers to collect detailed personal information from people who sell them goods and transmit the data to police. (Toronto Star)	Officials have no duty to parents OTTAWA - Child welfare authorities don't owe parents a duty of care, Canada's top court ruled Friday, saying such an obligation would put the treatment of children at risk by creating a conflict of duties. (CBC) JUDGMENT: Syl Assps Secure Treatment Centre v. B.D., 2007 SCC 38

Justice Threaten CALGARY - A former RCMP commissioner says an incident in which a Winnipeg Crown prosecutor was threatened from jail highlights the need for Canadians to pay better attention to courtroom security. (CP) RELATED: Let judges run courts, lawyers say CBA to discuss polygamy Access to justice a 'basic right' Canada's chief justice defends embattled lawyers Lawyers Gone Bad Response to the Canadian Bar Association Lawyers are rats Exposé makes lawyer Enemy No. 1	Google faces landmark lawsuit SYDNEY - A consumer watchdog is taking legal action against Google over the way it sells and displays its sponsored links, in a case that could "send shudders down the industry". The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said that it believed its action, which named Google Inc and Google subsidiaries in Ireland and Australia as defendants, was “the first to seek legal clarification of Google’s conduct from a trade practices perspective". (Times online)

BC Ferry lawyer sues VANCOUVER - Frank Poratto was one of about two dozen owners whose boats were damaged when the Queen of Oak Bay slammed into Sewell's Marina in Horseshoe Bay two years ago. (Province) PREVIOUS: The dark side of justice	Ontario court overturns award WINDSOR - The Ontario Court of Appeal has overturned a judge’s ruling that the federal government owes thousands of disabled Canadian war veterans $4.6 billion for its failure to properly manage their financial affairs. (CanWest)

Family sues city over shooting TORONTO - A family has launched a lawsuit against the Toronto Community Housing Corp. claiming a decision to cut security led to a drive-by shooting in front of their home two years that injured their four-year-old child. (Toronto Star)	What a surprise OTTAWA - There is no need for sitting politicians to go through a cooling-off period that would ban them from becoming judges immediately after leaving office, says Justice Minister Rob Nicholson. (Ottawa Citizen)

Man guilty of 2 murders gets new trial NORTH VANCOUVER - Shortly before Christmas 1986, Kerry Currie was watching the evening news with her family, when they announced two bodies had been discovered in shallow graves in the forest by Indian River Road in North Vancouver. (Vancouver Sun) PREVIOUS: R. v. Couture, 2007 SCC 28	Judge wishes he could have jailed man over grow-op VANCOUVER -. Provincial Court Judge Doug Moss said he'd have liked to have sent Warren William Spencer, 24, to jail, but legal precedents prevented him from doing so. Spencer, who pleaded guilty, was given a 12-month conditional sentence and 12 months of probation. (Vancouver Province)

Crown appeals ruling EDMONTON - The Crown has filed an appeal of a landmark ruling by a Court of Queen's Bench justice who rejected a judge's ban prohibiting media outlets from reporting details of Michael's White's 2005 bail hearing. On May 31, Justice Scott Brooker ruled that automatic ban was unconstitutional because it contravened freedom of the press and could lead to potential misunderstanding and mistrust of the justice system. (Edmonton Journal)	Tainted blood trial acquittals TORONTO - An Ontario judge has acquitted all defendants in the tainted blood scandal, angering victims of the worst public health disaster in Canadian history. Former Canadian Red Cross chief Dr. Roger Perrault, three other doctors and the New Jersey-based Armour Pharmaceuticals Co. were all acquitted. (CTV) PREVIOUS: Accused in tainted blood trial exonerated All acquitted in tainted blood scandal Blood scandal Krever Commission

Shaw battles widow over payout VANCOUVER - Both sides in a civil lawsuit that produced one of the largest personal damage awards in Canadian history have appealed -- the widow of a pioneer laser eye surgeon saying $6.4 million is not enough, and Shaw Cablesystems Ltd. saying it's too much. (Vancouver Sun)	Foreigners given death JAKARTA - Five Chinese nationals, a Dutchman and a Frenchman who appealed against the length of their convictions on drug charges were instead sentenced to death, Indonesia's Supreme Court said on Wednesday. (Reuters) MORE: Dealers appeal jail sentences, get death

UK has too many crime laws LONDON - The Lord Chief Justice, Sir Igor Judge, said repeated calls for less legislation, and especially fewer crime laws, had been ignored by ministers. (Telegraph UK)	Prisoners 'can claim thousands Dome raider gets legal aid to sue Millennium diamond heist Case Closed: The Millennium diamond heist

Prosecutors head for exits EDMONTON - A mass exodus of experienced provincial Crown attorneys in Edmonton and Calgary is crippling the proper administration of justice, prosecutors and defence lawyers say.. (Edmonton Journal)	Witnesses need more help: board OTTAWA - Toronto police are asking for Ottawa's help to protect witnesses who have information that can help detectives probing deadly shootings but often are too scared to come forward. (Toronto Star)

SCC hears case cloaked in secrecy OTTAWA - A police informant seeking complete confidentiality about his extradition battle clashed with media outlets fighting for an open court system when the Supreme Court of Canada heard arguments Tuesday in a case cloaked in rare secrecy. (CanWest) PREVIOUS: Caseload reduction baffles Supreme Court Justice is a myth in Canada	Reversal of Teskey verdict sparks complaint about judge EDMONTON - Gail Vickery, Chief Judge of the Alberta Provincial Court, says Lesley Miller's formal letter of complaint against an Alberta provincial court judge will be looked into promptly. (Edmonton Journal) PREVIOUS: SCC overturns conviction Judge took too long to write reasons for verdict

Despres not criminally responsible FREDERICTON - A New Brunswick judge has found Gregory Despres guilty of causing the deaths of an elderly couple, but not criminally responsible in their gruesome slaying. Today's verdict follows the second trial of Despres, 25, in the deaths of Fred Fulton, 74, and Verna Decarie, 70, in April 2005. (CP) PREVIOUS: Judge rules Despres unfit to stand trial Despres fit to stand trial Despres unfit to stand trial Man with bloody chainsaw let into US	Some judges more 'pro-freedom' OTTAWA - Some Supreme Court judges are stronger supporters of individual and economic freedoms and equality than their colleagues, claims a new report yesterday. The report, Judging the Judges, categorizes the justices' decisions as "pro-freedom" and "anti-freedom." Strong supporters of freedom include retired Justice John Major and Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin, according to the Canadian Constitution Foundation (CCF), which put out the paper. (National Post)

Judging the judges VANCOUVER - I was all set to join the rising tide of protest against the appeal- court judges who toned down Darnell Pratt's sentence for the torture-killing of gas jockey Grant De Patie on racial grounds. But then I did something I suspect few others have. I read the judgment. (Vancouver Province) JUDGMENT: Court of appeal for BC: R. v. Pratt PREVIOUS: Sentence reduction sparks outrage	Law society overturns suspension VANCOUVER - A prominent lawyer who worked on the Air India bombing case has had a six-month suspension overturned on appeal by benchers of the BC Law Society. Instead, David Martin has been reprimanded and must pay a total of $55,000 after being found guilty of professional misconduct for submitting fraudulent bills while he was representing convicted terrorist Inderjit Singh Reyat. (Vancouver Sun)

Yahoo sued by wife of activist SAN FRANCISCO - The wife of an imprisoned Chinese dissident sued Yahoo! Inc. under human-rights laws Wednesday, saying the Internet company voluntarily revealed her husband's identity to the Chinese government and is responsible for his arrest and torture.. (SF Gate)	Pot advocate must get drug in jail CALGARY - A judge says he had no choice but to send medicinal marijuana crusader Grant Krieger to jail for drug trafficking, but he wants assurances corrections authorities will uphold Krieger's constitutional exemption to have the drug behind bars to alleviate pain for his multiple sclerosis. (Calgary Herald)

Vancouver man sues Wikipedia VANCOUVER - A Vancouver businessman who was once a key Green party organizer is suing the producers of Wikipedia for libel. Wayne Crookes has filed a statement of claim against the Wikimedia Foundation alleging several web writers who use aliases on-line have libelled him on the open-source web encyclopaedia. (CP) MORE: Wikipedia: How to edit a page	The slow wheels of justice MONTREAL - The estate of the late Peter N. Widdrington v. Elliot C. Wightman and others – better known as the Castor Holdings case – has its origins in the 1992 collapse of a Montreal real estate holding company. After Castor went bankrupt, some 75 investors filed lawsuits, alleging they were misled about the company's financial health. The case has become perhaps the most extreme example of Canada's slow-moving justice system. (Toronto Star)

Waiting time could leave MDs liable OTTAWA - Doctors whose patients wait longer than the prescribed wait times for medical procedures could find themselves legally liable, says the organization that defends Canadian physicians against lawsuits. (CP)	MySpace sued over assaults NEW YORK - Four families have sued News Corp. and its MySpace social-networking site after their underage daughters were sexually abused by adults they met on the site, lawyers for the families said Thursday. (AP)

Zambia loses 'vulture fund' case LONDON - A High Court judge has ruled that Zambia must pay a substantial sum to a so-called "vulture fund" British Virgin Islands-based Donegal International paid less than $4m for a debt the African nation owed, but sued Zambia for a $42m repayment. It said its bill was the result of interest and costs, but the judge will decide how much Zambia should pay. (BBC) MORE: Time to clip the wings of vulture funds	Premier's in-law guilty, avoids jail in fraud case VANCOUVER - A judge in Vancouver has sentenced former Prince George car dealer Doug Walls and his associate, Mike Millard, to a conditional sentence of two years. The two men admitted they defrauded CIBC of more than $5,000 in a case related to a car dealership that went under in 1998. (CP) MORE: Walls and Millard sentenced No jail time for Walls

Family sues radio station SACRAMENTO - The family of a California woman who died after participating in a radio station's water-drinking contest will sue the station, their lawyer said on Thursday. Jennifer Strange, 28, a mother of three, died from suspected water intoxication after taking part in Friday's competition, "Hold your wee for a Wii." (Reuters) PREVIOUS: Police probe water intoxication death Criminal probe launched into water-poisoning Ten Fired After Radio Contest Tragedy	Parents must prove blood not needed VANCOUVER - The Jehovah's Witness parents fighting to prevent their four surviving babies from receiving blood transfusions will have to prove the procedures are not medically necessary if they hope to have them stopped, an expert in family law said (Vancouver Sun) PREVIOUS: Campbell defends seizing kids Medical experts told BC to seize sextuplets Church vs State Chronology of the government's intervention BC sextuplets stir debate

DA: Norman sold judgeship NEW YORK - Brooklyn prosecutors are seeking to indict deposed Brooklyn Democratic Party chairman Clarence Norman Jr. for allegedly selling a judgeship for at least $50,000 in cash and $6,000 in postage stamps, it was reported yesterday. (NY Daily News) MORE: The sales of justice Norman pal deal	City Hall fouls up condo fight TORONTO - In the afternoon, the city sent its late request to the Ontario Municipal Board, claiming special circumstances because the lawyer on the case had been away having surgery and none of the other 18 lawyers in the department knew to file the papers. (Toronto Star)

Killer dealt two life sentences CALGARY - The long and winding road to justice for an American double murderer Timothy Wallace found hiding in a motel in the Alberta foothills has ended in an Arkansas courtroom with a guilty verdict and two consecutive life sentences. the death penalty. (Calgary Herald)	Stay of execution A haven for murderers Victim's mother wants Wallace returned Canada defends U.S. fugitive American fugitive to be deported to US

Squeegee-kid ban upheld TORONTO - Banning squeegee people from begging on public roadways violates their freedom of expression. But regulating pedestrians and traffic and reducing dangers on the streets is important enough to override that constitutional right, the Ontario Court of Appeal has ruled. (Toronto Star) MORE: Squeegee panhandling washed out by Ontario Appeal Court	Court rules boy has dad and 2 moms TORONTO - Ontario's highest court has given legal parental status to the lesbian partner of a biological mother, essentially giving a young boy three parents. The case is believed to be the first in Canada in which a child has more than two legal parents. (Toronto Star) MORE: Ruling may redefine family

Nudist colony to reinstate 'loner' A Vancouver Island nudist, who was ejected from his colony for failing to be sociable with the other nudists, has been ordered reinstated. In a BC Supreme Court judgment yesterday, Justice Sunni Stromberg-Stein ordered Jerry Grenier be reinstated as a probationary member in the Sol Sante Club. (Times Colonist)	Dumas family to launch lawsuit against police WINNIPEG - The family of Matthew Dumas is launching a wrongful-death lawsuit against the Winnipeg Police Service and the City of Winnipeg, in the hopes of uncovering the facts about how the aboriginal teenager was shot dead by a police officer in 2005. (CBC)

Judge sends 'clear message' EDMONTON - Provincial court Judge James Wheatley issued the highest sentence ever handed out in Canada to Chad James Kobelka, 19, for a chase in January 2006 that forever robbed baby Jaina Herbers of the ability to eat, cry and breathe on her own. (Edmonton Journal)	Belonging to terror group not a right: judge TORONTO - A Beirut-born man who argued he should not be deported because his involvement in a Palestinian terrorist group was a form of "freedom of expression" has lost his bid to remain in Canada. (National Post)

Nancy Grace sued for wrongful death ORLANDO - The parents of a woman who committed suicide shortly after a grilling by Nancy Grace today filed a lawsuit against the TV host, claiming that their daughter was driven to her death by the hard-charging former prosecutor. (Smoking Gun)	Judge rules paper money unfair to blind NEW YORK - A federal judge has ruled that the U.S. Treasury Department is violating the law by failing to design and issue currency that is readily distinguishable to blind and visually impaired people. (CNN) MORE: American Council for the Blind v. Sec'y of the Treasury

SCC rules freelancers must ok online reproduction OTTAWA - The country's top court has ruled that newspapers and magazines can't put freelance material into online databases without the permission of the author. They can, however, reproduce the articles in CD-ROM form. (CP) JUDGMENT: Robertson v. Thomason Corp. 2006 SCC 43	Medics sentenced to die in Libya HIV case TRIPOLI - A Libyan court sentenced five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor to death on Tuesday for deliberately infecting hundreds of children with the virus that causes AIDS, provoking a chorus of Western condemnation. (Reuters) PREVIOUS: Libya sentences nurses to death HIV trial in Libya

Elder order trial by boiling oil NEW DELHI - The leaders of a village in the Indian state of Rajasthan ordered 150 men to dip their hands into boiling oil to prove their innocence after food was stolen from a local school, a newspaper reported on Sunday. (Reuters)	No free ride for car thieves: ICBC VICTORIA - The Insurance Corp. of BC and the provincial government are about to start going after car thieves for the entire cost of theft claims, even on cases when there is no criminal conviction. (CBC) MORE: It's payback time for car thieves

Verdict shocks experts EDMONTON - Legal experts, stunned by Tuesday's second-degree murder conviction of a 20-year-old woman who killed her newborn baby, declared an appeal on the grounds of "unreasonable verdict" a virtual certainty. (Edmonton Journal) PREVIOUS: Jury finds young mom guilty of murder 'No! How could they do it?'	Mills v. McCartney: The leaked court papers LONDON - The sentences are couched in the dry words of the divorce lawyers but there is no mistaking the rawness - nor the bitterness - of the McCartney split. (Daily Mail) MORE: Macca papers leaks could cost Heather McCartney divorce case test British press Paul McCartney Heather Mills

Deceased criminal's kids to get payout VANCOUVER - The children of a career criminal who was killed in a car accident will get some compensation for his death even though "he was not a model father," the B.C. Court of Appeal has ruled. (Vancouver Sun)	Judges rules in favor of OJ SANTA MONICA - After ruling tentatively in favor of O. J. Simpson, a Santa Monica Superior Court judge on Tuesday took under submission Fred Goldman's request to have the former football star's right of publicity transferred to him. (NBC4 TV)

Judge acquits OPG in Calabogie drownings Ontario Power Generation was acquitted yesterday of charges laid after a mother and child were killed while swimming at a Calabogie-area dam. The judge's ruling stems from a law that has since been changed. (Ottawa Citizen)	SCC: Convicts not required to provide bodily fluid OTTAWA - Parliament will have to rewrite federal legislation before judges can require convicted criminals to provide samples of bodily fluids on demand, Canada's top court ruled on Friday. (CTV) JUDGMENT: R v. Shoker, 2006 SCC 44

Man who confessed walks free EDMONTON - The son of a woman whose accused killer confessed to her murder lashed out at the justice system that found him not guilty. (Edmonton Journal) PREVIOUS: Judge lets admitted killer off the hook	Ontario first province to regulate paralegals TORONTO - Ontario has become the first province in Canada to regulate paralegals, but critics say it doesn't make sense to put lawyers in charge of their competition. (CP)

Lawsuit pits Lethbridge against Calgary CALGARY - Calgary's public school board has launched a lawsuit against a neighbouring school division over claims it poached schools from outside its borders, in a case that could redefine what a school board is. (Calgary Herald)	Corrections supervisor files lawsuit over firing NANAIMO - A Nanaimo corrections supervisor, disciplined and fired after having relationships with two former inmates, has filed a discrimination complaint with the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal. (Vancouver Sun)

Criminal complaint charges Chinese Surgeons of Complicity BOSTON - A U.S. attorney filed a criminal complaint against two Chinese doctors attending a World Transplantation Congress (WTC) conference in Boston Tuesday. The complaint accuses the two of overseeing forced organ removal from living Falun Gong prisoners of conscience in their hospitals. (Epoch Times) PREVIOUS: Chinese Organ Harvesting	Atwal sues former MP, Sun reporter and her employer VANCOUVER - Jaspal Singh Atwal, who was convicted of the attempted murder of a Punjabi Cabinet Minister is accusing former MP Gurmant Grewal, Vancouver Sun reporter Kim Bolan, the Sun's publisher and parent company Canwest Media Networks of deliberately discrediting his reputation. (CKNW) PREVIOUS: Three politicians helped failed assassin

Extradition refused in Bedford pot case MONTREAL - A Quebec judge has shut the door on a US request to extradite 11 residents of the Bedford area of the Eastern Townships to face charges after a massive marijuana bust there last year. (Gazette)	Police unit assessing judicial threats VANCOUVER - Threats against judges and court workers are on the rise, says the top judge of the Provincial Court of B.C. A special law-enforcement unit has worked for more than a year to assess the threats. (Province)

Ottawa will fill judicial vacancies ST. JOHN'S - Current federal judicial vacancies will be filled, but Ottawa won't create additional positions to alleviate a mounting case backlog, federal Justice Minister Vic Toews said Monday. (CP)	Kids gone wrong Teaching kids accountability Lawyers with bad manners target of new code SCC judge want's lawyer's fees lowered Does Crime pay after all?

Soft-headed sentencing WINNIPEG - Do you know what you get these days for eight counts of armed robbery and auto theft? About 41/2 years in prison. Well, you don't really serve 54 months. (Sun Media) Judge fails duty	Decision is obscene Its' time to let punishment fit crime This is getting tough on crime? Take off the kid gloves Lawyer wanted to be tried in 'lenient' Canada Arrest in case of pimping mom 4 years but he's free in months

Assault charges thrown out EDMONTON - Assault charges against five remand centre guards were thrown out Thursday in provincial court due to a legal technicality. (Edmonton Journal)	'Too gay' lawyer resigns from firm VANCOUVER - A Vancouver lawyer who says he was harassed by colleagues at his firm for being "slick and stylish" and "too gay" has resigned. (The Province)

Apology lightens sentence for slaying EDMONTON - A judge impressed with a killer's apology has sentenced him to eight years and eight months in prison for killing the man he found naked in bed with his estranged wife. (Edmonton Journal)	Ecstasy ruling enrages girl's family MONTREAL - A 17-year-old who sold ecstasy to Stevie Reilly, 13, walked out of a youth court free yesterday after a judge ruled he should not be jailed for his crime. Stevie, a Rigaud girl, died in February after taking the party drug. (The Gazette)

SCC: Party hosts not liable for drunk guests OTTAWA - The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled unanimously that party hosts cannot be held legally liable for letting their guests drive home drunk. (CTV) Childs v. Desormeaux, 2006 SCC 18 Top court upholds breath sample R. v. Rhyason, 2007 SCC 39	Bar owners and their responsibility Golf course charged Resort faces charges Lawsuit launched against bars Nightclub sued Drunk drivers winning court cases National survey on impaired driving SCC rejects 2 beer defence

'What does the world do with somebody truly dangerous?' OTTAWA - In one of their first and most significant encounters with anti-terrorism laws, several Supreme Court of Canada judges appeared reluctant yesterday to put the rights of people accused of having al-Qaeda ties ahead of national security concerns. (CanWest) PREVIOUS: MacKay warns loss of right to hold suspects harmful Supreme Court to ponder security certificates	Illegally held lawyer gets $10,100 award VANCOUVER - The City of Vancouver and the BC government must pay a well-known lawyer $10,100 because police suspected him of plotting to pie the prime minister. Cameron Ward won the civil damages after he was illegally jailed and forced to strip. (Vancouver Sun) PREVIOUS: BC lawyer vindicated in Chretien pie plot Strip searches not automatic: SCC BC Correction Act Regulation Sections 11 & 12 Strip search

Appeals shelter war criminals MONTREAL - More than two years after the Supreme Court of Canada deemed Leon Mugesera a war criminal and ordered him out of the country, the exiled ethnic Hutu hard-liner is still living in Quebec. (CanWest)	Accused Nazi war criminal lied to get in 'Beast of Bolzano' another chance to stay Convicted Nazi prison guard loses appeal Genocide suspect 'laughed' War crimes suspect arraigned in Montreal court Mounties charge Rwandan with war crimes
Accused war criminal free to stay Canada refuses to extradite War Criminal War crimes 'beyond control' of accused BC man not connected 'to war crimes' War criminal extradited Canada extradites war criminal to Italy	Hearing probes refugee status Mounties focus on war crimes Saltspring 'Joe' wanted for war crimes RCMP war crimes and special investigations Ex-Nazi guard arrives in Italy

San Diego seeks to confiscate 'Little Italy' property SAN DIEGO - The Alsco Laundry in San Diego's Little Italy neighborhood has been cleaning linens for the city's top hotels and restaurants for more than 50 years. (Fox)	'This land is your land' No--your land is their land Castle Coalition US Supreme Court: Cities can seize homes Eminent domain: Big box bonanza For Independence Day, US Supreme Court slams founders

Judge throws book at rioters MONTREAL - Bitch. Racist. Nazi. And one more for good measure: Eva Braun. A Quebec Superior Court judge was hit by a barrage of invective yesterday as a courtroom packed with friends and family of seven Mohawk rioters she was sending to jail erupted in insults and slurs. (Gazette) PREVIOUS: Spectators shout down judge Deal to end Kanesatake standoff	Broken promises ok TORONTO - It's official: Politicians can break campaign promises with impunity. (G&M) The Criminal Code defines fraud as a deliberate deception resulting in a personal benefit. One could argue the lie resulted in the benefit of the seat in the Legislature if one was inclined to tilt at windmills. Then again, reasonable people know our political leaders can't be trusted.

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