Medicine Hat Law

See the legal system up close at Law Day Poll Have you been receiving carbon tax rebate cheques from the Alberta government? Yes No VIEW RESULTS @MedicineHatNews   Follow Us   BY MEDICINE HAT NEWS ON APRIL 4, 2019. SUBSCRIBE NOW The mock trial for Law Day in 2015 had a Three Little Pigs-themed.--FILE PHOTO Hatters will have the opportunity to learn more about the Canadian legal system during Law Day on Saturday at the local courthouse from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition to two mock trials running in the morning and afternoon, attendees will be able to go on a tour of the Court of Queen’s Bench, which is celebrating its centennial this year, guided by local lawyer David Carter. Law Day chair Darren Cahoon says this will allow members of the public to learn “some interesting background on some of the more visible parts of the courthouse, like our historic Courtroom 1, which is the envy of courtrooms throughout the province...

Murder accused pleads not guilty over late 2018 homicide Poll Are you planning to watch Thursday’s provincial leaders debate? Yes No VIEW RESULTS @MedicineHatNews   Follow Us   BY JEREMY APPEL ON APRIL 3, 2019. SUBSCRIBE NOW jappel@medicinehatnews.com @MHNJeremyAppel A man accused of a late-2018 murder in a downtown apartment complex has pled not guilty. Donald Goodwill, who faces a single charge of second-degree murder, didn’t appear in provincial court Tuesday, but defence lawyer Efrayim Moldofsky was there as agent for Derek Jugnauth, Goodwill’s counsel. The matter was adjourned to April 16, when a date for a preliminary hearing to determine whether there’s sufficient evidence to proceed to trial is slated to be set. Goodwill was arrested Dec. 14, 2018, in Saskatchewan, the day after police found a deceased missing person at a Fifth Avenue SE apartment building. At the time of his arrest, police called the investig...

Triple-booking trials should help reduce court delays: Chief Justice of Alberta’s Court of Queen’s Bench By  Fletcher Kent Reporter   Global News 2 64       more WATCH ABOVE: It can take up to four years to have a civil case heard in Alberta right now. The Chief Justice of Alberta's Court of Queen's Bench says the delays keep her up at night. As Fletcher Kent reports, she believes the courts need to get creative when it comes to tackling the issue. -   A   A   + Listen Mary Moreau has had a distinguished career in law. One year in to her job as Chief Justice of Alberta’s Court of Queen’s Bench, she has also shown she’s also a pretty good juggler. “It’s been a really hectic first year,” Moreau said in a news conference at the Edmonton Law Courts. Moreau says she worries about delays and a lot of moving parts come into play when trying to speed up the court process. “If somebody would ask what keeps you...

‘Not an empty threat:’ Alberta defence lawyers warn of strike in legal aid fight By Bill Graveland The Canadian Press 1 182         more WATCH ABOVE: Defence lawyers in Calgary are threatening to go on strike if legal aid doesn't get a significant cash infusion. -   A   A   + Listen The president of a defence lawyers group says strike action is possible if the Alberta government doesn’t come to the table with serious cash to fix legal aid. “It’s not an empty threat,” Ian Savage, president of the Calgary Criminal Defence Lawyers Association, said at a news conference Tuesday. READ MORE:  Alberta defence lawyers demanding boost to ‘neglected and degraded’ Legal Aid Savage said Legal Aid Alberta needs an immediate infusion of cash so the province’s working poor are able to get a lawyer if they need one. “Cases are being delayed more and more, and it’s just a fact that the system is underfunded throu...

Legal professionals call for Alberta parties to support increased justice funding By  Sarah Kraus Reporter   Global News 66       more WATCH ABOVE: Alberta legal professionals are calling on all the province's political parties to clearly state their platforms when it comes to justice. Sarah Kraus reports. -   A   A   + Listen The Alberta Chapter of the Canadian Bar Association is hoping all political parties will lay out clear plans to improve the justice system as part of their election platforms. “An under-resourced justice system affects us all. It results in Albertans facing increased taxes and decreased community well-being and safety,” said president Frank Friesacher. The group represents 5,200 judges, lawyers, law professors and students, as well as other justice system staff. RELATED Lawyer for Alberta man charged in farm shooting ‘frustrated’ at delays Alberta prosecutor says court de...