Author: Jennifer Koshan

B.Sc., LL.B (Calgary), LL.M. (British Columbia).
Professor. Member of the Alberta Bar.
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Taking Violence Against Women Seriously in Sentencing Decisions

By Jennifer Koshan

On January 12, 2008

In Criminal, State Responses to Violence

Cases Considered: R. v. Diebel, 2007 ABCA 418, R. v. Douglas, 2007 ABCA 321

PDF Version: Taking Violence Against Women Seriously in Sentencing Decisions

In two recent cases, the Alberta Court of Appeal has considered certain forms of violence against women to be an aggravating factor in sentence appeals. While both are memoranda of judgments and thus of lesser weight than reserved reasons for decision, the cases are nevertheless indicative of the Court’s resolve to take violence against women seriously.

Special Enough? Interim Costs and Access to Justice

By Jennifer Koshan

On December 11, 2007

In Access to Justice, Constitutional, Human Rights

Cases Considered: R. v. Caron, 2007 ABQB 632

PDF Version: Special Enough? Interim Costs and Access to Justice

On December 4, 2003, Gilles Caron was charged under Alberta’s Use of Highway and Rules of the Road Regulation, Alta Reg. 304/2002, with making an unsafe left turn, a charge with a maximum fine of $100. Almost 4 years later his case is still before the courts, and has taken on a significance that belies the seemingly innocuous nature of his initial traffic ticket.