CPD 291.2- A General Legal Update on Sexual Offense Litigation (E2 – Working with Sexual Trauma Survivors Series)

Episode 2 of the Working with Sexual Trauma Survivors CPD Series.
Qualifies for 1 CPD Hour, all of which qualifies as Ethics.
Recorded: 2020-11-25
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Litigating sexual offenses has historically been complicated, and emotionally difficult for all parties involved. The high-profile case of Ghomeshi was a catalyst for change when women’s activist and rights groups lobbied for change for how sexual offenses are reported, investigated, and prosecuted in Canada. In June of 2017, the Liberal government introduced Bill C-51, which outlined a number of amendments to the Criminal Code regarding the procedure to be followed during the prosecution of sexual offenses, as well as additional protections and rights for complainants. Our judicial system has had to grapple with the application of the amendments, alongside dealing with the specific evidentiary issues that arise during the prosecution of sexual offenses in Canada.

Loree Richardson of Legal Aid Saskatchewan, explores some of the fall-out from Bill C-51, as well as some current hot topics that will impact not only lawyers, but complainants and investigators, as sexual offenses remain at the forefront of media scrutiny.