News & Media

Tort of Conversion
Tort of Conversion
February 14, 2024

If you’ve been victimized by fraudulent behaviour, don’t wait to take action. Experienced civil fraud lawyers at Karrass Law can help you take action. Robert Karrass and our experienced legal team...

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Can an NCR Order Be Overturned Based on Ineffective Counsel?
Can an NCR Order Be Overturned Based on Ineffective Counsel?
January 12, 2024

A case before the Ontario Court of Appeal seemed to have been decided in the defendant’s favour… but she appealed the decision because of a Not Criminally Responsible (NCR) ruling, stating that...

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The Inherent Frailties in Identification Evidence
The Inherent Frailties in Identification Evidence
December 15, 2023

If you or a loved one are faced with criminal charges in Ontario, or have been given a verdict that is unfair, contact Karrass Law about your defense and appeals. Our team of experienced lawyers will...

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Squatter’s Rights – When Can You File for Legal Ownership?
Squatter’s Rights – When Can You File for Legal Ownership?
November 20, 2023

The Ontario Court of Appeal decided a case dealing with adverse possession, otherwise known as “squatter’s rights,” describing the attempt to legally claim the property after its illegal use for...

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What is Considered Discrimination Under the Quebec Charter?
What is Considered Discrimination Under the Quebec Charter?
November 10, 2023

e Supreme Court of Canada dealt with a rather high-profile case, Ward v. Quebec (Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse), 2021 SCC 43, between a comedian, Ward, and a...

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Crown Disclosure Obligations: Civil Action
Crown Disclosure Obligations: Civil Action
October 17, 2023

The accused was convicted of 10 counts of sexual assault in 1983 and sentenced to an indeterminate amount of prison time. 27 years later, all of the convictions were quashed on appeal and errors in...

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Plea Negotiations in Criminal Matters Subject to Settlement Privilege
Plea Negotiations in Criminal Matters Subject to Settlement Privilege
September 18, 2023

The Ontario Court of Appeal recently reviewed a case that dealt with strange requests from a Crown prosecutor and an accused/appellant who attempted to stay the charges due to abuse of process. 

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Case-Splitting, Browne v. Dunn, and Other Considerations in Presenting New Evidence and Testimony
Case-Splitting, Browne v. Dunn, and Other Considerations in Presenting New Evidence and Testimony
August 02, 2023

Following a trial, by which the appellant was found guilty of sexual interference and assault, an appeal dealing specifically with a conversation between the appellant and a Vice Principal of a school...

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Weinstein Found Guilty in Rape Trial
Weinstein Found Guilty in Rape Trial
December 19, 2022

Robert Karrass comments on the jury’s decision in Harvey Weinstein’s California trial and the impact of the verdict on his existing sentence. CTV News

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NYC Mayor Eric Adams wants the city to treat mentally ill, even if they refuse
NYC Mayor Eric Adams wants the city to treat mentally ill, even if they refuse
November 30, 2022

Robert Karrass explains the legal considerations involved in NYC mayor’s plan to treat those suffering from mental illness, with or without their consent. NewsTalk 1010

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Jacob Hoggard Sentenced to 5 Years
Jacob Hoggard Sentenced to 5 Years
October 20, 2022

Robert Karrass comments on Hoggard’s sentence and his likelihood of receiving bail pending appeal. CTV News

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Why the Jury Didn’t Recommend Death Penalty in Cruz Trial
Why the Jury Didn’t Recommend Death Penalty in Cruz Trial
October 13, 2022

Robert Karrass comments on the jury’s considerations in reaching a verdict, and the possibility of a different sentence from the judge. CTV News

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 Sentencing Hearing in Amanda Todd Case
Sentencing Hearing in Amanda Todd Case
October 11, 2022

Robert Karrass comments on Coban’s charges, his possible sentence, and why he was not charged in Amanda Todd’s death. CTV News

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Jacob Hoggard Sentencing Hearing
Jacob Hoggard Sentencing Hearing
October 06, 2022

Robert Karrass comments on Hoggard’s recent sentencing hearing, what can be expected regarding sentence length, and the possibility of an appeal. CTV News

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Aydin Coban Found Guilty On All Charges
Aydin Coban Found Guilty On All Charges
August 06, 2022

Robert Karrass comments on the verdict in the Amanda Todd case. CTV News

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SCOC Rules on Condom Use and Consent
SCOC Rules on Condom Use and Consent
July 29, 2022

Robert Karrass comments on a Supreme Court of Canada ruling that condom use will be considered in deciding sexual assault cases. CTV News

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Was R. Kelly’s 30 Year Sentence Appropriate?
Was R. Kelly’s 30 Year Sentence Appropriate?
June 29, 2022

Robert Karrass comments on R. Kelly’s sentencing and its severity. CP24

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Hoggard Faces Strict Bail Restrictions
Hoggard Faces Strict Bail Restrictions
June 06, 2022

Robert Karrass on the bail restrictions facing Hoggard following his conviction. CTV News

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Jacob Hoggard Guilty of Sexually Assaulting Woman
Jacob Hoggard Guilty of Sexually Assaulting Woman
June 05, 2022

Robert Karrass comments on Jacob Hoggard’s guilty verdict and sentencing. CTV News

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Hoggard Jury Still Deadlocked
Hoggard Jury Still Deadlocked
June 03, 2022

Robert Karrass comments on the difficulties facing the jury in deciding the Hoggard trial. CTV News

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Jury Finds Heard Defamed Depp
Jury Finds Heard Defamed Depp
June 01, 2022

Robert Karrass comments on the $10 million ruling in Johnny Depp/Amber Heard defamation trial. CTV News

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British Columbia Decriminalizes Small Amounts of Hard Drugs for Personal Use
British Columbia Decriminalizes Small Amounts of Hard Drugs for Personal Use
May 31, 2022

British Columbia recently announced their plan to decriminalize small amounts of hard drugs intended for personal use, in order to address a dramatic increase in

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Mosque Shooter Can Apply for Parole After 25 Years
Mosque Shooter Can Apply for Parole After 25 Years
May 30, 2022

Robert Karrass comments on the Supreme Court decision regarding parole eligibility and its impact on the mosque shooter’s sentencing. CTV News

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Jacob Hoggard Testifies
Jacob Hoggard Testifies
May 24, 2022

Robert Karrass comments on Hoggard taking the stand. CTV News

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Ontario Driver Sentenced to 17 Years
Ontario Driver Sentenced to 17 Years
May 17, 2022

Robert Karrass comments on the sentencing of an Ontario driver who collided with another car, killing a mother and her three children. CTV News

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Complainant cross examined in Hoggard trial
Complainant cross examined in Hoggard trial
May 09, 2022

Robert Karrass on the cross examination of the first complainant in the Jacob Hoggard trial. CP24

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Roe v. Wade – The Leak that Shocked the Nation, and the Possible Overturning of a Decades-Old Landmark Decision
Roe v. Wade – The Leak that Shocked the Nation, and the Possible Overturning of a Decades-Old Landmark Decision
May 05, 2022

Roe v Wade, the landmark case which equated reproductive rights with the right to privacy and ensured that people looking for an abortion for any

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Lawyer Says Verdict Isn’t “Unreasonable”
Lawyer Says Verdict Isn’t “Unreasonable”
November 19, 2021

Robert Karrass comments on the verdict in a Wisconsin shooting resulting in the deaths of two men. CTV News

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Peter Nygard Agrees to Be Extradited to the U.S.
Peter Nygard Agrees to Be Extradited to the U.S.
October 03, 2021

Robert Karrass comments on the charges laid against Peter Nygard and the possible reasoning behind agreeing to extradition. CTV News

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Can a Third-Party Claim be Release-Barred?
Can a Third-Party Claim be Release-Barred?
July 23, 2021

A third-party claim typically refers to a claim made by an individual or entity against someone who is not directly involved in a contract or agreement but has caused some sort of harm or damage. In...

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Law and Social Media: What Can Legal Professionals Respond To?
Law and Social Media: What Can Legal Professionals Respond To?
January 01, 2021

Backlash after a case concludes, especially widely publicized cases, can be brutal and difficult to navigate. Often, the reactions to rulings and decisions – which

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Toronto man should be found not criminally responsible for murder, court hears
Toronto man should be found not criminally responsible for murder, court hears
April 15, 2020

The prosecution and defence in a Toronto murder trial have told court a 33-year-old man should be found not criminally responsible for killing his grandmother

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Toronto man should be found not criminally responsible for murder of grandmother, court hears
Toronto man should be found not criminally responsible for murder of grandmother, court hears
April 15, 2020

The prosecution and defence in a Toronto murder trial have told court a 33-year-old man should be found not criminally responsible for killing his grandmother

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Why are patients going missing from CAMH?
Why are patients going missing from CAMH?
August 02, 2019

Robert Karrass on why CAMH patients keep going missing and what can be done Global News, August 2019

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Toronto police search for another missing patient from CAMH, cite public safety ‘concern’
Toronto police search for another missing patient from CAMH, cite public safety ‘concern’
July 30, 2019

Robert Karrass on CAMH missing patients. Global News, July 2019

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Zhebin Cong case raises questions about ‘not criminally responsible’
Zhebin Cong case raises questions about ‘not criminally responsible’
July 19, 2019

Q&A with Robert Karrass on Not Criminally Responsible and Public Risk Toronto Star, July 2019

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Vaughan water fees paid off hidden deficit, statement of claim alleges
Vaughan water fees paid off hidden deficit, statement of claim alleges
May 28, 2019

A lawsuit seeks potentially hundreds of dollars for every Vaughan ratepayer — roughly $210 million in total — alleging local politicians improperly used water fees

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PATH Killer allowed escorted visits
PATH Killer allowed escorted visits
February 15, 2019

Rohinie Bisesar, who was found not criminally responsible for the December 2015 stabbing death of another woman in a downtown shoppers drug mart, can seek

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Robert Karrass on Reddit
Robert Karrass on Reddit
November 08, 2018

Robert Karrass on his Reddit Ask Me Anything Session Toronto Sun,

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Reddit Ask Me Anything – Mental Health and Law
Reddit Ask Me Anything – Mental Health and Law
November 08, 2018

Q&A with Robert Karrass on the intersection between mental health and law. Reddit – Ask Me Anything, November 2018

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Christie Blatchford: Family of Toronto financial district stabbing victim noble in grief
Christie Blatchford: Family of Toronto financial district stabbing victim noble in grief
November 06, 2018

There was no issue that Bisesar stabbed Junor and caused her death, only whether her major mental illness, schizophrenia, had robbed her of the capacity

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Woman accused in 2015 fatal PATH stabbing found not criminally responsible
Woman accused in 2015 fatal PATH stabbing found not criminally responsible
November 06, 2018

A woman accused in a fatal stabbing that took place in a Shoppers Drug Mart in the city’s underground PATH system back in 2015 has

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Rohinie Bisesar found not criminally responsible for fatal PATH stabbing in 2015
Rohinie Bisesar found not criminally responsible for fatal PATH stabbing in 2015
November 06, 2018

A woman accused in a fatal stabbing that took place in a Shoppers Drug Mart in the city’s underground PATH system back in 2015 has

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NCR defence a bitter pill for PATH victim’s family to swallow
NCR defence a bitter pill for PATH victim’s family to swallow
November 03, 2018

Rosemarie Junor’s family refuses to accept that their daughter’s killer could be found not criminally responsible. Toronto Sun,

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Bisesar should be found not criminally responsible in fatal PATH stabbing, lawyers say
Bisesar should be found not criminally responsible in fatal PATH stabbing, lawyers say
November 02, 2018

Both the crown and defence lawyers at the first-degree murder trial of the woman accused of fatally stabbing a stranger in Toronto’s PATH say she

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Toronto woman accused in fatal PATH stabbing should be found not criminally responsible: lawyers
Toronto woman accused in fatal PATH stabbing should be found not criminally responsible: lawyers
November 02, 2018

A Toronto woman accused in a fatal stabbing suffers from a mental disorder and should be found not criminally responsible, Crown and defence lawyers told

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WATCH: BISESAR MURDER TRIAL WRAPS UP, VERDICT NEXT WEEK
WATCH: BISESAR MURDER TRIAL WRAPS UP, VERDICT NEXT WEEK
November 02, 2018

A Toronto woman accused in a fatal stabbing suffers from a mental disorder and should be found not criminally responsible, Crown and defence lawyers told

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Crown, defence agree woman accused of Shoppers Drug Mart stabbing not criminally responsible
Crown, defence agree woman accused of Shoppers Drug Mart stabbing not criminally responsible
November 02, 2018

Both Crown and defence lawyers at the first-degree murder trial of a woman accused of fatally stabbing a complete stranger in a downtown Toronto Shoppers

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Terrible tragedy’:Trial of woman in fatal stabbing hears of her mental illness
Terrible tragedy’:Trial of woman in fatal stabbing hears of her mental illness
November 02, 2018

If Rohinie Bisesar had been treated for her severe mental illness, maybe Rosemarie Junor would still be alive. CTV News,

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Bisesar pleads not guilty; lawyers argue she was not criminally responsible
Bisesar pleads not guilty; lawyers argue she was not criminally responsible
November 02, 2018

The accused in the fatal stabbing of a newlywed in a Shoppers Drug Mart in the PATH system pleaded not guilty in court Friday, with

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Vaughan ratepayers demand $217M back from city after ‘unbelievable breach of trust’
Vaughan ratepayers demand $217M back from city after ‘unbelievable breach of trust’
October 30, 2018

A group of Vaughan ratepayers is demanding Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and city councillors repay $217 million they allege was misdirected to cover deep discrepancies in

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Jury finds Rohinie Bisesar fit to stand trial in 2015 Shoppers stabbing
Jury finds Rohinie Bisesar fit to stand trial in 2015 Shoppers stabbing
October 29, 2018

A jury has found that the accused in the 2015 stabbing death of a woman in a downtown Shoppers Drug Mart is fit to stand

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City of Vaughan answers deficit allegations by ratepayers’ lawyer
City of Vaughan answers deficit allegations by ratepayers’ lawyer
October 14, 2018

The city of Vaughan has responded to accusations that its city councillors ran unlawful deficits of more than $100 million a year since 2014 and

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Vaughan used water funds to cover up deficits: Lawyer alleges
Vaughan used water funds to cover up deficits: Lawyer alleges
October 04, 2018

A lawyer representing a group of Vaughan taxpayers is accusing Vaughan council of running unlawful deficits of more than $100 million a year since 2014

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Woman accused in fatal Path stabbing has case put over to September
Woman accused in fatal Path stabbing has case put over to September
August 01, 2018

The case of a woman accused of murder in a stabbing at a Toronto drugstore will return to court next month, when a date will

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Woman accused in fatal PATH stabbing has case put over to next month
Woman accused in fatal PATH stabbing has case put over to next month
August 01, 2018

Rohinie Bisesar was recently ruled fit to stand trial by authorities overseeing her treatment, but a jury still has to make its own ruling about

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Woman accused in Shoppers Drug Mart fatal stabbing ordered to undergo more treatment
Woman accused in Shoppers Drug Mart fatal stabbing ordered to undergo more treatment
February 09, 2018

CBC ongoing coverage of Rohini Bisesar Trial CBC News, February 2018

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Toronto financial district stabbing suspect found unfit to stand trial after describing voices in her head
Toronto financial district stabbing suspect found unfit to stand trial after describing voices in her head
December 06, 2017

National Post’s coverage of the Rohini Bisesar Fitness Hearing The National Post, December 2017

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Rohinie Bisesar, accused in downtown Toronto fatal stabbing, deemed not fit to stand trial: lawyer
Rohinie Bisesar, accused in downtown Toronto fatal stabbing, deemed not fit to stand trial: lawyer
December 05, 2017

Global new interview with Robert Karrass on Bisesar Fitness Hearing Global News,

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Khadr settlement the correct choice, but we don’t have to like it.
Khadr settlement the correct choice, but we don’t have to like it.
July 14, 2017

Robert Karrass discusses the Omar Khadr Settlement. The Lawyer’s Daily, July 2017 The Omar Khadr settlement has been a political bloodbath for the Left and

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Should victims of violent crime have legal representation in court?
Should victims of violent crime have legal representation in court?
June 29, 2017

Robert Karrass discusses victim rights and a tragic case where those rights were violated. The Lawyer’s Daily, June 2017 Imagine you are the victim of

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Justice delayed is justice denied: The R. v. Jordan reboot
Justice delayed is justice denied: The R. v. Jordan reboot
May 31, 2017

There has been a lot of dissatisfaction lately over the new 11(b) guidelines set out by the Supreme Court in R. v. Jordan with reports

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The Criminal Justice System at Work
The Criminal Justice System at Work
March 09, 2017

Criminal law falls within the mandate of the federal government so criminal law is federal, not provincial. While the Globe and Mail is commenting on an

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Police Need Better Training to Deal With The Mentally Ill
Police Need Better Training to Deal With The Mentally Ill
March 06, 2017

Is the criminalization of mental illness a by-product of police action? Those living with mental illness are over-represented in Canada’s justice system. Approximately 36 per

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The Deadly Side of Tasers
The Deadly Side of Tasers
February 28, 2017

Policing is a difficult job with inherent and constant risk to those tasked with protecting the public and upholding the law. Police safety must be

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Court Cannot Expect Perfection – Self Defence Cases
Court Cannot Expect Perfection – Self Defence Cases
January 13, 2017

In 2016, a case came before the Ontario Court of Appeal, R. v. Cunha, 2016 ONCA, that clarified a person’s right to self-defence. In the

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Guilty Pleas in Cases Where Defendant Does Not Admit Guilt – What Can Lawyers Do?
Guilty Pleas in Cases Where Defendant Does Not Admit Guilt – What Can Lawyers Do?
September 19, 2016

The Ontario Superior Court had an interesting case before them, R. v. Cameron, 2014 ONSC 2093, which saw a defendant strike out his guilty pleas and replace

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Wording of Rule Against Helping Undocumented Migrants into the Country Clarified by Supreme Court of Canada
Wording of Rule Against Helping Undocumented Migrants into the Country Clarified by Supreme Court of Canada
September 12, 2016

In a case before the Supreme Court of Canada, R. v. Appulonappa, 2015 SCC 59, the legality and constitutionality of certain forms of migration was

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Jordan Highlighted at Courts Opening Ceremony
Jordan Highlighted at Courts Opening Ceremony
September 12, 2016

Robert Karrass comments on R. v. Jordan and unreasonable delay. Law Times, September 2016

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“Vaughan residents fed up with debris mountain”
“Vaughan residents fed up with debris mountain”
August 06, 2016

Mr. Karrass on a case defending Vaughan developer for Castle Manor homes. The Toronto Star, August 2015

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East-end vet faces suspension, $85,000 in costs over neglect case
East-end vet faces suspension, $85,000 in costs over neglect case
May 29, 2016

Robert Karrass represents vet in appeal of findings of misconduct. The Toronto Star, May 2016

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The Law of Tender and Its Complexities
The Law of Tender and Its Complexities
April 19, 2016

In 2014, the Ontario Court of Appeal dealt with a complex case, Rankin Construction Inc. v. Ontario, 2014 ONCA 636, referring to the Ministry of Transportation’s

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Duty of Good Faith – Breach of Contract Resulting in Significant Damage to Business
Duty of Good Faith – Breach of Contract Resulting in Significant Damage to Business
March 10, 2016

A case before the Supreme Court of Canada in 2014, Bhasin v. Hrynew, dealt with a breach of contract resulting in significant damages. The facts of

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Hearsay
Hearsay
February 17, 2016

When evidence is labelled hearsay, it is deemed inadmissible by Canadian courts. The Supreme Court of Canada provided a definition of hearsay as an “out

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Judge’s Conduct During a Hearing Can Lead to Finding of Reasonable Apprehension of Bias
Judge’s Conduct During a Hearing Can Lead to Finding of Reasonable Apprehension of Bias
January 21, 2016

A case in Newfoundland and Labrador, Cabana v. Newfoundland and Labrador, 2014 NLCA 34, once more emphasized the need for an impartial judge – and went

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Manufacturers Must Notify Consumers About Dangers Associated With Product Use
Manufacturers Must Notify Consumers About Dangers Associated With Product Use
January 14, 2016

A case before the Ontario Court of Appeal, Stilwell v. World Kitchen Inc., 2014 ONCA 770, regarding negligence and resulting in damages, served to highlight

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Can an Appeal Court Enter Convictions on Certain Counts and Order a New Trial on Others?
Can an Appeal Court Enter Convictions on Certain Counts and Order a New Trial on Others?
January 07, 2016

s. 209 of the Criminal Code Cheating at play 209 Every person who, with intent to defraud any person, cheats while playing a game or in

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Drinking and Driving
Drinking and Driving
November 15, 2015

Canadian law makes it illegal to operate a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs (impaired driving) or having consumed more then 80 mg of

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Veterinary Discipline Ontario – Regulation for the Public Interest
Veterinary Discipline Ontario – Regulation for the Public Interest
October 16, 2015

Veterinary medicine is more then a science; it’s an art. Imagine having a deep love of animals, living and dying with your patients, and trying

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Notice Period for Non-Payment of Rent – Residential vs. Commercial Tenancies Act
Notice Period for Non-Payment of Rent – Residential vs. Commercial Tenancies Act
September 29, 2015

A lot of confusion exists regarding Landlord and Tenant rights especially when it comes to notice of eviction for non-payment of rent. Part of this

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RIGHT TO COUNSEL – S. 10(B) OF THE CANADIAN CHARTER OF RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS
RIGHT TO COUNSEL – S. 10(B) OF THE CANADIAN CHARTER OF RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS
September 04, 2015

Section 10(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms provides that everyone has the right on arrest or detention to retain and instruct counsel without delay

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Oil Spill Leading to Questions of Limitations Period – Is It Possible to Commence Litigation?
Oil Spill Leading to Questions of Limitations Period – Is It Possible to Commence Litigation?
April 04, 2015

The Ontario Court of Appeal dealt with an environmental case surrounding the circumstances of an oil spill. The case initially did not include two respondents, but following the initial proceeding,...

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NEW LAW MAKES BUYING SEX ILLEGAL. WHAT HAPPENS ON BEING CHARGED?
NEW LAW MAKES BUYING SEX ILLEGAL. WHAT HAPPENS ON BEING CHARGED?
December 06, 2014

Canada’s new prostitution law will go into effect December 6, criminalizing the purchase of sex for the first time in Canadian history. The bill criminalizes

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"JP association concerned about review council process"
"JP association concerned about review council process"
September 12, 2014

Ontario’s justices of the peace have lost their bid to intervene in a misconduct hearing over concerns about the handling of allegations that one of

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BATTERED WOMAN SYNDROME
BATTERED WOMAN SYNDROME
December 17, 2013

Battered woman syndrome is a model that was developed by Dr. Lenore E. Walker to describe the mindset and emotional state of a battered woman.

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MURDER AND INTOXICATION
MURDER AND INTOXICATION
October 09, 2013

R. v. Gregory, 2013 NSCA 102: [14] Turning first to intoxication, “drunkenness” is not really a defence to a criminal act. It is a suggestion

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