Think “bail reform” will clean up street disorder? We take a hard look at what Bill C‑14 really changes and why it targets the wrong problem. From the presumption of innocence to the right to remain silent, we trace how symbolic tweaks and reverse onus proposals collide with Charter protections while doing little to speed […]
A guilty plea, a forgotten past, and a courtroom test of how identity meets justice. We open with a 2011 assault case resolved by a joint submission: an 18‑month conditional sentence after the accused conceded his force exceeded self‑defence. Years later, he discovered his father was Indigenous and obtained status, then sought an out‑of‑time […]
A notorious criminal case and a sweeping policy change collide in one packed hour, and the throughline is unmistakable: how law balances dignity, proof, and practical consequences. We start by unpacking the latest development in the Robert Picton matter: with the RCMP ending their investigation and holding thousands of seized items—some believed to be […]
A seven‑month marriage sparked on a sugar‑arrangement site, a $12,000/month support bid, and a dog named Frankie—this one has layers. We open with a candid walk‑through of interim spousal support: what it’s for, how courts weigh “capacity to pay,” and why selling capital assets to fund an opulent lifestyle isn’t the same as earning […]
Where 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 […]
What 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 […]
What 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 […]
Fentanyl 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. […]
When 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 […]
The 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 […]
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