A fascinating exploration of justice, liberty, and the limits of government power unfolds through three recent BC legal cases. When a minimum-security prisoner at William Head was caught embracing a senior correctional officer, the warden’s decision to transfer him to a higher-security facility backfired spectacularly. The BC Supreme Court ruled the decision “unreasonable,” highlighting […]
When Does Someone Become an Agent of the State?
/in Legal News /by mtp_adminWhere do your constitutional protections begin and end? The dividing line between private actions and state authority forms the heart of a fascinating BC Court of Appeal decision that clarifies when ordinary citizens become “agents of the police.” The case centers on Loomis Courier employees who, at police direction, set aside suspicious packages for […]
Self-Defense Rights in Your Home
/in Legal News /by mtp_adminWhat happens when the line between victim and perpetrator blurs in the eyes of the law? When a homeowner confronts a crossbow-wielding intruder or store employees stop a car theft, should they face criminal charges or civil lawsuits for defending themselves and their property? Barrister Michael Mulligan unpacks the controversial legal landscape of self-defense […]
Secret Decisions and AI Submissions: Civil Resolution Tribunal Challenges
/in Legal News /by mtp_adminWhat happens when a legal system designed for small claims is used to tackle complex issues involving international companies and constitutional requirements? Barrister and Solicitor Michael Mulligan takes us inside a fascinating recent case that exposes serious flaws in British Columbia’s Civil Resolution Tribunal system. Originally created to efficiently handle disputes under $5,000 and minor […]
Replaced by Mr. Bean in an Office Without AC? That’s Constructive Dismissal
/in Legal News /by mtp_adminFentanyl trafficking sentences in BC just got a major overhaul. The BC Court of Appeal has mapped out clearer sentencing guidelines, creating a three-tier system that reflects the devastating impact of the deadly opioid crisis. Street-level dealers now face 18 months to 3 years, mid-level traffickers 4-7 years, and wholesale distributors 8-15 years behind bars. […]
Tragic Intersection: The Thin Line Between Mistake and Crime
/in Legal News /by mtp_adminWhen does a driving mistake become a crime? The latest Court of Appeal ruling tackles this haunting question through the case of a driver who missed a red light, causing a collision that killed an 18-month-old child and seriously injured the father. Despite the devastating outcome, the court upheld the driver’s acquittal on dangerous […]
Indigenous Title vs. Private Property: The Cowichan Tribes Decision Explained
/in Legal News /by mtp_adminThe foundation of property ownership in British Columbia faces a potential earthquake with the landmark Cowichan Tribes decision. After what may be Canada’s longest trial—spanning over 500 days—the judge delivered an 800-page ruling that could fundamentally alter who truly owns land throughout the province. Michael Mulligan breaks down this complex legal battle by explaining […]
Habeas Corpus, Cocaine Smuggling, and the End of Mink Farming
/in Legal News /by mtp_adminA fascinating exploration of justice, liberty, and the limits of government power unfolds through three recent BC legal cases. When a minimum-security prisoner at William Head was caught embracing a senior correctional officer, the warden’s decision to transfer him to a higher-security facility backfired spectacularly. The BC Supreme Court ruled the decision “unreasonable,” highlighting […]
Flight Compensation and Your Car Knows Too Much
/in Legal News /by mtp_adminFrustrated by an airline refusing compensation for your delayed flight? You might have more power than you think. Legal expert Michael Mulligan walks us through a fascinating Civil Resolution Tribunal case where passengers successfully challenged WestJet’s weather-related excuses and secured $1,000 each in compensation. By gathering evidence showing other airlines operating during the supposedly problematic […]
The Hockey Canada Trial Verdict and ICBC No Fault Formula = $0
/in Legal News /by mtp_adminWhat happens when legal formulas, charge approval standards, and competing legitimate needs collide with real human lives? Today’s deep dive examines three significant cases that reveal the profound human impact of our justice systems. The Hockey Canada sexual assault trial verdict brings crucial lessons about the presumption of innocence and the value of detailed […]
Judge Alone Murder and Partial Expropriation Compensation
/in Legal News /by mtp_adminThe boundaries of judicial authority in Canada have been redrawn by a groundbreaking Supreme Court ruling that empowers judges to conduct murder trials without juries—even when prosecutors object. This remarkable case emerged from the early pandemic when COVID-19 made traditional jury trials nearly impossible. A defendant, unwilling to face further delay, requested a judge-alone […]