Barrison & Manitius

06/16/2026

A second-degree murder conviction has been set aside after the Supreme Court of Canada examined how a disputed phone call was treated as evidence at trial.

In R. v. Saddleback, the Court addressed the complex line between out-of-court statements used to explain context and those used to prove the truth of what was said, a distinction that proved decisive.

Our latest blog breaks down the decision and what it means for criminal trials: https://ow.ly/SnKA50Zb7qG

SCC confirms improper hearsay use can require a new trial. Learn what this means for Ontario criminal defence cases.

06/12/2026

Deadly confrontations involving police officers, including fatal shootings, have become far more common in Canada in recent years, while criminal charges against the officers in these cases remain exceedingly rare, according to a new report to be released on Tuesday. https://ow.ly/jnMZ50ZaybR

Findings in the report raise questions about civilian oversight agencies, criminology professor says

06/09/2026

Police in Durham Region have dismantled a sophisticated organized crime network operating under the guise of tourism. Through "Project Jetsetter," investigators identified individuals who entered Canada legally specifically to commit large-scale financial crimes.

The operation has linked this network to over 200 criminal incidents, resulting in more than $2.6 million in confirmed losses. To date, 46 individuals have been arrested and are facing a total of 1,442 criminal charges. Authorities have also issued 164 arrest warrants for suspects still at large.

Police in Durham Region, Ont., say they’ve uncovered a network of what they’re describing as criminal tourists who enter Canada legally to commit crime for financial gain.

06/04/2026

The Supreme Court of Canada has reaffirmed the Jordan framework, dismissing two challenges to the strict time limits that govern how long criminal trials can run before charges must be stayed.

The ruling confirms that the 18-month limit for provincial court proceedings and 30-month ceiling for Superior Court matters remain constitutionally sound under Section 11(b) of the Charter.

The Supreme Court of Canada dismissed two challenges to the Jordan framework on Friday, ruling that the time limits put on criminal trials before charges be thrown out of court are justified under Section 11(b) of the Charter.

06/02/2026

Can an accused be acquitted of s*xual assault even when the judge believes the complainant?

In R. v. G.G., that is exactly what happened at trial, until the Supreme Court of Canada stepped in and unanimously restored the conviction, clarifying the proper role of alibi evidence and timing in criminal proceedings.

Our latest blog covers the decision and what it means: https://ow.ly/hXmq50Z5cgj

The SCC overturned an acquittal in a s*xual assault case involving an alibi defence. Oshawa and Durham criminal lawyers explain.

05/30/2026

This World MS Day, we recognize the resilience of the global MS community and the vital importance of early, accurate diagnosis. Greater awareness leads to better healthcare professional training, stronger support systems, and essential research toward advancements in care.

05/28/2026

Ontario has announced plans to launch a public provincial website listing high-risk offenders, including high-risk s*x offenders, when a police chief issues a community notification.

The measure is part of the proposed Protecting Ontario's Streets and Communities Act, 2026, and raises important questions about offender rights, privacy, and due process under Canadian law.

https://ow.ly/7A2850Z5c7x

The Ford government is looking to launch a public website about high-risk offenders, one of several measures in proposed legislation.

05/26/2026

Peel Regional Police have laid more than 100 criminal charges in connection with one of the largest extortion investigations in the region's history.

The investigation launched in December 2025 and expanded into an international effort, pulling in partnerships with the Surrey Police Service in British Columbia, the Canadian Border Services Agency, and the FBI. Investigators targeted an organized ring responsible for a surge of targeted threats, coercion, and financial extortion across multiple jurisdictions.

Peel Regional Police have laid more than 100 criminal charges in what investigators say is one of the largest extortion cases the region has ever seen.

05/21/2026

Ontario has announced a $3 billion plan to add 2,500 beds to its overcrowded jail system over the next decade, including new builds, expansions, and the reopening of closed facilities in Walkerton and Brampton. https://ow.ly/KTET50Z2k4n

Ontario will expand its vastly overcrowded jails by 2,500 beds over the next 10 years at a cost of $3 billion to the taxpayers, the province's solicitor general said Thursday.

05/18/2026

To all our clients, colleagues and community — happy long weekend! We hope you get to spend it doing exactly what you love, surrounded by the people who matter most.