By LegalMatters Staff • The legal age for firearm ownership across Canada is eighteen, even in situations where a shotgun or rifle is given as a gift or as part of an inheritance. But there is more flexibility in the law when it comes to using firearms for sport shooting. “Those under 18 can fire […]
Youths can legally use a firearm provided an adult is supervising Read More »
By Paul Russell, LegalMatters Staff • Proposed changes to the auto insurance system in Ontario may allow drivers to reduce their insurance premiums but that may result in financial hardship down the road, says Ontario disability and personal injury lawyer Joshua Goldberg. “The government has suggested people can lower their premiums by opting out of
Optional coverage is the wrong way to cut insurance rates Read More »
By LegalMatters Staff • Legitimate firearm owners have long argued that gun control legislation singles out them instead of criminals using unregistered weapons. A recent Statistics Canada report confirms that position “Among homicides where information was available, the accused had a licence in only 13 per cent (16 out of 119 homicides) involving handguns and
Legally registered firearms rarely used to commit criminal acts Read More »
By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • The Toronto Lawyers’ Association’s (TLA) Courthouse Library may be the “best kept legal secret” in the city but it is also arguably one of the most valuable resources available to members of the Toronto Bar, the judiciary, articling students and the public, says executive director/library director Joan Rataic-Lang. “Access
TLA library adds new databases to impressive resource collection Read More »
By LegalMatters Staff • The key difference between a divorce and an annulment is that while a divorce terminates a legally valid marriage, an annulment treats the marriage as if it never existed. “When a marriage is annulled, the court will issue a Nullity Decree. It takes effect immediately, declaring that the marriage did not
The difference between a divorce and an annulment Read More »
By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • Grandparents can play a meaningful role in their families’ lives but what happens when parents don’t want them interacting with their children? While family courts have stated that it can be beneficial for a child to have contact with their grandparents, that doesn’t necessarily mean grandparents have an automatic
Grandparents don’t have automatic right of access to grandchildren Read More »
By LegalMatters Staff • Two common reasons for the non-consensual distribution of intimate images are revenge porn and cyberbullying, though some people may not know what those terms mean. “Revenge porn describes the act of receiving an intimate image or video from someone and then distributing it without their consent,” says Ottawa criminal lawyer Céline
What is the offence of sharing intimate pictures online? Read More »
When it comes to the law, it is important to understand the differences between a personal injury and a bodily injury. The latter encompasses all wounds, bruises and damages the human body may suffer for whatever reason. With a personal injury, the harm was caused by another party and, under Canadian law, the injured person
Compensation may be due to those with a personal injury Read More »
By LegalMatters Staff • Social media platforms such as Facebook and Snapchat are used to connect to friends and family. They can also be used to attempt to lure a child into a sexual encounter. In 2002 the crime of luring a child was added to the Criminal Code, making it illegal to communicate with
A harsh sentence could follow a conviction for child luring Read More »
By LegalMatters Staff • There are many “hidden” charges when buying a home. They vary in size but can add up, which will cause real problems if you are already struggling to make your mortgage payment each month. “If you are putting down less than 20 per cent toward the purchase of a home in
Hidden costs to be aware of when buying a house Read More »
