By LegalMatters Staff • It is no secret that courts across Canada are grappling to deal with increasing caseloads. In Alberta, the Court of King’s Bench has implemented four mandatory pre-court requirements to speed up the pace of justice. Initially, these will only apply in Edmonton and Calgary but they will expand across the province […]
Mediation is more cost-efficient and quicker than going to court Read More »
Thousands of boaters across the province have hit the waters for another summer on the water. Boating Ontario, states that more than 15 million Canadians enjoy the sport because of the “emotional, behavioural and psychological benefits of being near, around, on, or in water.” However, like any activity, it comes with risks. The Drowning Prevention
Another boating season has arrived but be aware of the risks Read More »
By LegalMatters Staff • Many products flow easily over the Canada/U.S. border, including child pornography, with both countries handing out harsh sentences to perpetrators. “Child pornography is illegal under federal and state laws in the United States and is punishable by up to life imprisonment and fines of up to US$250,000,” says Ottawa criminal lawyer
A term in prison almost certain for U.S. child pornography offenders Read More »
By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • The proliferation of professional expert witnesses has become an impediment to Ontario’s justice system, says Barrie-area litigator M. Steven Rastin. However, he says he is encouraged by an increased willingness of judges to act as gatekeepers to limit unworthy expert testimony. “Trials in Ontario take longer than most other jurisdictions,”
Courts can benefit from limiting unworthy expert witness testimony Read More »
By LegalMatters Staff • Most people hire a real estate agent when it comes time to buying or selling a home. However, choosing the right agent can be difficult. Edmonton real estate lawyer Peter Ewanchuk says there are some key questions to ask when finding someone to help people make what may be their largest
Essential questions to ask prospective real estate agents Read More »
By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • A recent Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) ruling that found a copyright infringer was liable for damages accruing more than nearly a decade before the infringement was discovered raises interesting limitations issues, says Toronto intellectual property lawyer John Simpson. In Warner Chappell Music, Inc. v. Nealy, SCOTUS
Time is not on the side of copyright infringers, SCOTUS rules Read More »
By LegalMatters Staff • Anyone over the age of 18 can purchase and possess a firearm in Canada provided they have completed a firearms safety course and have a Possession and Acquisition Licence. That allows them to own a conventional rifle or shotgun. However, if they want to buy a handgun or a restricted weapon
Youths are allowed to use firearms with adult supervision Read More »
By LegalMatters Staff • If someone deliberately exposes their genitals or nipples to someone under the age of 16 for a sexual purpose they could be charged with indecent exposure. The setting for this crime can be in public parks, changerooms or anywhere children can be found. A related charge involves committing an indecent act.
Indecent exposure involving children offends public sensibilities Read More »
There is no denying the increasing popularity of e-bikes. These power-assisted bicycles E-bikes were once considered a novelty in North America but that changed during the pandemic. It is reported that the sales of these power-assisted bicycles in the United States rose 269 per cent between 2019 and 2022. Meanwhile, global automotive sales declined nearly
E-bikes can pose a risk of injury for riders who don’t take precautions Read More »
By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • Fixed-term contracts may seem a logical choice when hiring workers for a specified period but employers need to consider all the legal ramifications to avoid running afoul of the law, says Toronto employment lawyer Ellen Low. Low, principal of Ellen Low & Co., says a fixed-term contract is an
Carefully consider all the pros and cons of fixed-term contracts Read More »
