For many indictable offences, accused persons may re-elect their mode of trial, sometimes as of right and sometimes with prosecutorial consent. These decisions must comply with strict Criminal Code timelines and formalities.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, governments moved quickly to prohibit price gouging of necessary goods. These offences, while regulatory in nature, carry serious consequences and require careful legal analysis from defence counsel.

COVID-19 fundamentally changed how bail hearings and bail reviews are argued in Canadian courts. For defence teams, the pandemic highlighted the tension between public safety, public confidence, and the health risks associated with pre-trial detention.

Why COVID-19 Changed the Conversation The pandemic transformed correctional facilities overnight. Lockdowns, limited access to programming, and restrictions on visits became the norm.