Truckers’ protest and cybercrimes highlighted the year in criminal law

Ottawa criminal lawyer Céline Dostaler, principal at Céline Dostler Criminal Defence Lawyer, opened the year by discussing what traits people should look for when choosing legal counsel. What qualities should you look for when choosing a lawyer

Dostaler followed that up by noting that lawyers and their clients must develop trust in each other. The best client/lawyer relationships are built on trust

In February, she explained how the concept of solicitor/client privilege enables clients to confide in their lawyers. Solicitor/client privilege will protect your privacy

Later that month Dostaler explained how lawyers justify their retainers. There are good reasons for the fees that lawyers charge

In March, she delved into the ideas and principles that underpin the Canadian legal system. Basic principles of the Canadian justice system

Dostaler then discussed how the Criminal Code is constantly being changed to keep up with shifts in societal values in areas such as cannabis legalization and same-sex marriage. Updates to the Criminal Code reflect societal values

In her next post, she discussed how special courts focus on areas such as drugs or indigenous offenders. Courts that deal with drug issues one alternative to justice

Dostaler followed up on that by explaining the importance of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Charter of Rights reins in the powers given to police

She closed out the month with an overview of the Canadian justice system. A primer on how justice is delivered in Canada

In April, Dostaler explained the importance of youth courts. Youths need to be treated differently by the courts

She next discussed the public’s role in our justice system, such as serving on juries. What is the public’s role in our justice system?

In May, Dostaler wrote about the truckers’ protest, noting that Canadians have a right to peacefully demonstrate. The Charter grants the right to ‘peaceful assembly’

Later that month, she discussed the charges protesters may face. Here are the charges protesters may face in Canada

Dostaler then explained that protests can be held on both public and private property, with conditions. Peaceful protests are allowed on public and private property

She closed the month by examining the powers police have at protests. Police can exercise their power when protests turn illegal

In June Dostaler’s attention turned to the Emergencies Act that was used to shut down the truckers’ protest. Emergencies Act is meant for ‘urgent and critical’ situations

She then discussed the crime of identity theft. There are many ways someone can steal your identity

In July, Dostaler wrote about how corporations must sometimes deal with cyber blackmail. Ransomware: one of the most popular types of cybercrime

She returned to the cybercrime issue by discussing the phony emails we all receive that urge us to click on a link or send money online. Even financial managers can be fooled by phishing emails

In August, Dostaler explored the crime of cyberbullying. Cyberbullying can cross the line into criminal behaviour

The next month, she wrote about the increase in child pornography arrests in recent years. COVID-19 pandemic led to a spike in child porn charges

In October, Dostaler explained why parole is an important part of our justice system. Parole: A carefully built bridge between prison and the community

That same month she wrote about a Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision about how not wearing a condom when requested to can lead to sexual assault charges. SCC ruling provides clarity about sexual assault and condoms

In November, Dostaler noted that Canada’s long arm of the law now extends into outer space. Canada may soon prosecute crimes on the moon

Also in November, she commented on a SCC decision involving third-party records. Third-party records ruling by the SCC is disappointing

Dostaler wrote in December about how online fraud is increasing as more people turn to online shopping. This is the season for online shopping and online fraud

She closed off the year by praising the SCC for revoking a law that dictates that all sexual offenders are to be listed in the national sex offender registry. Judges will now decide who is listed in the sex offender registry. Judges will now decide who is listed in sex offender registry