OBA Foundation Debate

Does ending a culture of impunity justify suspending the presumption of innocence? Should reputation matter?

“BE IT RESOLVED THAT JUSTICE DEMANDS A NEW APPROACH TO SEXUAL ASSAULT TRIALS”

Canada aspires to be a global leader in the deterrence of sexual offences.  Yet today it is well understood that a small percentage of victims of sexual assault  report the crimes.  One reason is perhaps that  complainants fear being re-victimized by the legal process, from the initial police report through to the trial.  Does the manner in which sexual assault trials are conducted  unduly deter complainants from coming forward and proceeding to trial?

The inaugural OBA Foundation Debate turns the lens to the heart of the criminal justice system and the question of whether we need to re-assess how sexual assault trials are conducted.   Gain thought-provoking insights from a leading advocate of victims’ rights and one of Canada’s leading criminal defence counsel and civil libertarians, as they debate this important and timely question,. The debate was moderated by an award-winning TV journalist and public policy lecturer.

Proposition: David B. Butt, Barrister and Solicitor

Opposition: Clayton C. Ruby, C.M., Ruby & Shiller Barristers

Moderator: Jennifer Hollett