The CLA condemns the TDSB’s irresponsible and ignorant position in refusing to promote the “A Room of Your Own” book club event featuring defence counsel Marie Henein’s memoire, Nothing But The Truth. The TDSB should be eager to educate students on the important work criminal defence lawyers do and our critical role in a constitutional […]
News
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Censoring of a defence counsel
Posted by John Chagnon in News on November 12, 2021
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Judge-Led Intensive Case Management Court (JICMC) Certificate system
The “guilty plea certificate” The CLA stands firmly against the new Judge-Led Intensive Case Management Court (JICMC) Certificate system designed to incentivize guilty pleas among unrepresented individuals. The CLA strongly urges its members to refuse to accept these “guilty plea certificates” out of concern for our members’ own professional liability, civil liability, and for ethical […]
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Patrick Ducharme – 2021 Recipient of the G. Arthur Martin Criminal Justice Medal
Toronto, ON, August 4, 2021 – The Criminal Lawyers’ Association has recognized the lifetime achievement of prominent Windsor lawyer, Patrick Ducharme. He has been selected as the 2021 recipient of the G. Arthur Martin Criminal Justice Medal, which will be presented on November 20, 2021. In the 32-year history of this prestigious award, only twice […]
Posted by John Chagnon in News on August 4, 2021
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CRIMINAL LAWYERS’ ASSOCIATION AWARDS G. ARTHUR MARTIN CRIMINAL JUSTICE MEDAL FOR 2020 TO PHILIP CAMPBELL
Toronto, ON, July 28, 2020 – The Criminal Lawyers Association (CLA) has awarded the prestigious G. Arthur Martin Criminal Justice Medal to Philip Campbell. The Martin Medal was struck in 1989 to honour Goldwyn Arthur Martin, a nationally prominent criminal lawyer and eminent jurist. It is awarded in recognition of lifelong achievement and sustained commitment […]
Posted by John Chagnon in News on July 28, 2020
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CLA statement on the use of body-worn cameras
Nearly 200 years ago, Sir Robert Peel authored his “Nine Principles of Policing”, which serve as the foundation for policing in Canada and much of the developed world today. All nine generally stand on the foundation expressed in Principle #7: “Police, at all times, should maintain a relationship with the public that gives reality to […]
Posted by John Chagnon in News on June 11, 2020
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CLA statement on recent events in Canada and the United States
CLA statement on recent events in Canada and the United States The Criminal Lawyers’ Association (CLA) is shocked and saddened by recent events leading to the deaths of Regis Korchinski-Paquet, George Floyd, Tony McDade, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. Sadly, these people join a long list of black people killed during police interactions. However, these […]
Posted by John Chagnon in News on June 5, 2020
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Criminal Lawyers’ Association Position on Digital COVID-19 Contact Tracing
The Criminal Lawyers’ Association (CLA) is one of the largest speciality legal organizations in Canada, with over 1,600 members. It is a voice for criminal justice and civil liberties in Canada. The CLA has intervened in numerous landmark cases before the Supreme Court of Canada concerning digital privacy rights (e.g., Vu, Fearon, Spencer, Marakah), drawing […]
Posted by John Chagnon in News on June 1, 2020
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Anxiety in the time of COVID-19
Over the last 10+ weeks into isolation, we understand our members are being impacted on many levels. With mounting financial pressures, anxiety levels might be rising amongst our colleagues. There is no shame in reaching out to friends and even to mental health professionals – there are lots of resources/suggestions out there, including: 1. LSO’s Member […]
Posted by John Chagnon in News on May 25, 2020
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Message from the President – We want to get our members back to work both safely and as soon as possible (May 7, 2020)
The speed of events and concentrating on the dedicated efforts of our members to empty the jails and make the Courts safe has made detailed timely reporting difficult. Now as we enter phase two I want to advise we have reason for hope and we are all looking forward to getting back to work. Managing […]
Posted by John Chagnon in News on May 11, 2020
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Message from CLA President, John Struthers – March 27, 2020
As our volunteer efforts in the Courts over the past two weeks wind down, we offer our profound gratitude and admiration to all our volunteers and organizers. Our valuable role and commitment has been critical. However we want to make one thing crystal clear. We have learned as has everyone from this pandemic response. We […]
Posted by John Chagnon in News on March 27, 2020
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