Find the latest news releases and statements from the Criminal Lawyers’ Association on issues affecting criminal law and Canada’s justice system. The CLA invites journalists to get in touch with us for timely information and expert perspectives. For media inquiries, please e-mail media@criminallawyers.ca
Richard is the sixth recipient of this distinguished honour. A tireless advocate for the accused, Richard has dedicated his career to fighting for the underprivileged, marginalized, and often forgotten members of our community. From bail and Gladue Court to Drug Treatment Court and trial courts, he is known…
The Criminal Lawyers’ Association (“CLA”) and Canadian Civil Liberties Association (“CCLA”) have launched a Constitutional challenge before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice against the introduction of mandatory cash bail by the province. The organizations are requesting an interlocutory injunction from the Court. If granted, the provisions would be…
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association and Criminal Lawyers’ Association will launch an urgent constitutional challenge next week against the introduction of mandatory cash bail by the province on August 17. Cash bail creates two tiers of justice: one for the rich, and the other for the rest…
Toronto, ON, August 6, 2026 – The Criminal Lawyers’ Association (CLA) has awarded the prestigious G. Arthur Martin Criminal Justice Medal to the Honourable David M. Paciocco. The award will be presented Saturday, November 21, 2026, 1 to 3 p.m. at a special…
Marlys Edwardh — March 6, 1950 – July 14, 2026 Marlys was a fearless advocate for justice whose extraordinary career helped shape Canadian criminal and constitutional law. As one of the first women to practise criminal defence in Canada, she broke barriers in a profession where few women…
Members of the Criminal Lawyers’ Association’s (CLA) Legislation committee provided written submissions to the provincial Standing Committee on Justice Policy with respect to Bill 119, “Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act”. The CLA is deeply concerned that the creation of a public website containing the personal information of…
On June 12, 2026, Cassandra Richards, Co-chair of the Criminal Lawyers’ Association Legislation (CLA) Committee, appeared before the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs‘ study of Bill C-16, Protecting Victims Act on behalf of the CLA. You can watch the CLA’s submissions here:…
On April 15, the Co-chair of the CLA’s Legislation Committee Cassandra Richards appeared before the Legislative Assembly of Ontario Standing Committee on Justice Police to voice members’ concerns about Bill 75, the Keeping Criminals Behind Bars Act on behalf of…
Cassandra Richards, Co-chair of the CLA’s Legislation Committee, addressed members of the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs on how to thoughtfully amend Bill C-14, the ‘Bail and Sentencing Reform Act‘. You can…
Contingency Plans: Licensees will be required to have a written contingency plan in place in the event they unexpectedly stop practicing, whether temporarily or permanently. The minimum components of a contingency plan are listed in by-law 7-1 and include the appointment of one or more licensees as administrator(s)…
