Supreme Court set to rule if extensions to rape shield laws violate rights
Global News
The Supreme Court of Canada will issue a constitutional ruling today about extensions to Canada's rape shield laws made by the Liberals four years ago.
The Supreme Court of Canada will issue a constitutional ruling today about extensions to Canada’s rape shield laws made by the Liberals four years ago.
Rape shield laws, which have been in place in Canada for several decades, are intended to prevent a complainant in a sexual assault case from having their sexual history used to discredit them.
The Criminal Code says evidence of a complainant’s prior sexual activities that are unrelated to the charges at hand can only be admitted with permission of a judge following a private hearing.
The court ruling today will determine whether some extensions to those laws made in 2018 violate the rights of an accused to a fair trial.
Those extensions include granting a complainant standing and the right to a lawyer at the private hearings on evidence, and that an accused must request permission from the judge with at least seven days’ notice to admit private records of a complainant that the accused has in his possession.
It involves two separate appeals that were heard jointly by the Supreme Court, one brought by an accused and another a complainant.
It’s a fresh slate, with several new faces taking a seat in Henry Baker Hall to form Regina’s city council for the next four years.
On Tuesday, Prairie Harm Reduction announced it would stay open 24/7 for the next week to offer people a warm safe place until the city’s plan took effect.
The competition watchdog said Wednesday that the ongoing investigation into the Canadian furniture retailers looks at three kinds of marketing practices.
The $7.28 billion budget unveiled by Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante includes a promise to increase the city's housing department budget by $100 million over the next three years.
The union representing port supervisors in British Columbia is challenging the legal and constitutional authority of the federal labour minister to order them back to work.
Randy Boissonnault is out of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s federal cabinet after months of controversy surrounding his former business.
A volunteer group has donated $60,000 to KHSC’s KidsInclusive as it winds down after 119 years, ensuring support for children’s care over the next five years.
Queen’s University will install North America’s first carbon-sequestering field turf at Nixon Field, enhancing sustainability while supporting sports and research.
Gerry Lichty, North Frontenac mayor, was elected 2025 Frontenac County warden. He aims to tackle rural challenges, with Bill Saunders as deputy warden.
Quebec Premier François Legault says the Sûreté du Québec, the province's police force, will 'conduct visual investigations at the borders.'
When people pass by the white-pillared Beaverbrook Art Gallery starting this weekend, they will be greeted by one of Fredericton's most famous sculptures.