Carjacking suspect arrested

TheStar.com - Carjacking suspect arrested: "A 21-year-old man wanted for attempted murder following a violent carjacking has been arrested, York Regional Police said today."

Judge sets aside verdict in 'Mafia cops' case

TheStar.com - Judge sets aside verdict in 'Mafia cops' case: "NEW YORK — A judge today threw out a racketeering murder conviction against two detectives accused of moonlighting as hitmen for the mob, saying the statute of limitations had expired on the slayings."

Man, 40, stabbed at Scarborough bus stop

TheStar.com - Man, 40, stabbed at Scarborough bus stop: "Police are investigating after a 40-year-old man with his young daughter was stabbed while reading a newspaper on a Scarborough sidewalk this morning."

10 years in mother's murder

TheStar.com - 10 years in mother's murder: "Two sisters convicted in the drowning death of their mother have been sentenced to a maximum 10 years after a judge ruled today they should be treated as youth offenders."

Making suicide bombing illegal

Making suicide bombing illegal:
Senator Jerry Grafstein
Making suicide bombing illegal
By Arthur Weinreb, Associate Editor,
Wednesday, June 28, 2006

In early April, Senator Jerry Grafstein introduced a private members’ bill to outlaw suicide bombing. Bill S-206 proposes to amend the terrorism sections of the Criminal Code to make suicide bombing a specific offense."

Durham officer charged with assault

TheStar.com - Durham officer charged with assault: "A Durham Regional Police high school liaison officer is facing assault charges after an Ajax high school student was struck while at school. The incident is alleged to have occurred on April 26 at 11 a.m. at Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School."

Accused was out on bail when Creba killed

TheStar.com - Accused was out on bail when Creba killed: "A man charged with manslaughter in the Boxing Day slaying of 15-year-old Jane Creba was out on bail on two unrelated charges at the time of the shooting and is now fighting to be released for a third time."

Teens facing terror charges refused bail

TheStar.com - Teens facing terror charges refused bail: "BRAMPTON - One of two youths denied bail on Tuesday by an Ontario justice of the peace is now facing a third terror-related charge.

The 18-year-old is facing a new charge related to weapons or explosives under Section 83.2 of the Criminal Code, a Brampton court clerk said after the bail hearing."

911 call leads to massive drug bust

TheStar.com - 911 call leads to massive drug bust: "A man is facing drug charges after police stumbled on nearly $2 million worth of marijuana at an illegal grow-op in Brock, Ont."

Victims' fund aids criminals' families

Hamilton Spectator - News: "Relatives of dead and injured criminals are seeking payouts from a government fund intended for crime victims.

Ontario's Criminal Injuries Compensation Board was created to help innocent victims of violent crime pay medical bills, cover lost wages and get compensation for emotional trauma suffered."

Media organizations challenge Canada terror cases publication ban

JURIST - Paper Chase: Media organizations challenge Canada terror cases publication ban: "A group of media organizations has asked a Canadian judge to consider vacating a media blackout in the cases of 17 men arrested in Ontario [JURIST report] earlier this month and charged with a terrorist plot. Under Canada's Criminal Code, a judge may order a publication ban [Department of Justice backgrounder] on details from court hearings in order to protect a suspect's right to a fair trial; Justice of the Peace Keith Currie has banned all media from reporting on the details"

Teens fight for bail today

TheStar.com - Teens fight for bail today: "A decision will be made today whether two of the teenagers accused of being part of a Toronto-based terrorist cell will be released on bail."

Detained Egyptian terrorist suspect to seek house arrest, lawyer says

Macleans.ca | Top Stories | Detained Egyptian terrorist suspect to seek house arrest, lawyer says: "TORONTO (CP) - The arrest of 17 people on terror-related charges earlier this month will help suspected Egyptian terrorist Mahmoud Jaballah in his fight for freedom after spending five years behind bars on a national security certificate, his lawyer said Monday."

Signs ignored in couple violence

TheStar.com - Signs ignored in couple violence: "There have been eight domestic homicide charges in Toronto so far this year — the same number as all of 2005 — following the strangulation death of Gwen Pilgrim, police say."

Teague suspect appears in court

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Teague suspect appears in court: "In less than one minute, the man charged with killing Jennifer Teague appeared in bail court in Ottawa shortly after noon today and had his case adjourned to remand court."

Entomologist in Truscott case sticks to timeline

globeandmail.com : Entomologist in Truscott case sticks to timeline: "Toronto — A noted forensic entomologist is standing by his claim that Lynne Harper was slain two days before her body was found."

Shooting - 52 Division

Toronto Police Service :: To Serve and Protect: "On Sunday, June 25, 2006, at 12:15 a.m., police were called to the 7-Eleven located at Spadina Avenue/College Street for reports of a possible shooting.

Officers located two victims laying on the ground suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. They were transported to the hospital. "

Homicide #32/2006*, Gwendolyn Pilgrim, 35

Toronto Police Service :: To Serve and Protect: "On Saturday, June 24, 2006, at approximately 9:30 p.m., the Toronto Police Service Homicide Squad received information that Donovan Morrison turned himself in to 52 Division."

Homicide #31/2006*

Toronto Police Service :: To Serve and Protect: "On Friday, June 23, 2006, at approximately 12:45 p.m., police were called to 301 Washburn Way for the sound of gunshots.

Police located a man believed to be in his early 20s suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was taken by way of emergency run to hospital where he was pronounced dead."

Homicide #30/2006,* Reon Paul, 22

Toronto Police Service :: To Serve and Protect: "On Thursday, June 22, 2006, at approximately 6:45 p.m., officers from 31 Division Community Response Unit were monitoring a crowd of approximately 400 people who had gathered in the parking lot at 2121 Jane Street to celebrate the Ghana victory in the World Cup of Soccer."

Grow-op bylaw likely to fail

London Free Press - Editorials - Grow-op bylaw likely to fail: "London Police Chief Murray Faulkner's proposal to hold landlords responsible for the costs of busting marijuana grow operations may just be a non-starter. "

Gunshots reported near playground

TheStar.com - Gunshots reported near playground: "Women and children 'fled for their lives' from a playground near downtown Toronto after several gunshots were heard Saturday night, police said. "

2 dead in violent weekend

TheStar.com - 2 dead in violent weekend: "Two men shot outside downtown convenience store - Man, 22, gunned down at noon hour in his townhouse"

Peel police settle assault lawsuit

TheStar.com - Peel police settle assault lawsuit: "Peel Region police have settled a $3.6 million lawsuit brought by the mothers of three 16-year-old Brampton students who had alleged they were attacked without cause by seven off-duty officers last fall."

Bandido suspects sign up lawyers

London Free Press - Local News - Bandido suspects sign up lawyers: "ST. THOMAS -- All three Winnipeg Bandido suspects have lawyers -- and one of them says he knows of one potential witness who has found a lawyer, too. "

Pot seized in Oakville bust

TheStar.com - Pot seized in Oakville bust: "Police seized half a million dollars� worth of pot from a stolen vehicle in Oakville yesterday."

Facing the jury a second time

TheStar.com - Facing the jury a second time: "For the second time in two decades, a jury has retired to consider its verdict in the murder trial of Rodney Cain, who has already served more than 15 years for shooting a Toronto drug dealer."

Swarming trio may have been exposed to HIV

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Swarming trio may have been exposed to HIV - Three young men may have been exposed to HIV when they swarmed a 28-year-old man, Toronto Police said today.

T.O. Angels patrols about to take flight

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: T.O. Angels patrols about to take flight: "Just weeks before they start street patrols, Toronto�s Guardian Angels have finally got their meeting with the mayor and police chief."

SCOC: Day in jail enough for killer teen

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: SCOC: Day in jail enough for killer teen: "OTTAWA (CP) - The Supreme Court of Canada, in a judgment sure to spark controversy, has refused to boost a sentence of one day in jail for a Winnipeg teenager who beat a man to death with a billiard ball wrapped in a sock. "

Ombudsman wants full-blown investigation of SIU

CBC Toronto - Ombudsman wants full-blown investigation of SIU - The Ontario ombudsman has begun a preliminary investigation into the province's Special Investigations Unit (SIU) and how it cleared a police officer in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Jeffrey Reodica.

Three municipal by-law officers charged with Criminal Misconduct

Toronto Police Service :: To Serve and Protect: "On Tuesday, June 20, 2006, three employees of Northwest Protection Services were charged with Criminal Misconduct.

Police tactics under fire in Caledonia

TheStar.com - Police tactics under fire in Caledonia: "CALEDONIA—As the dust settles around the site of a native standoff in Caledonia, a troubling picture is emerging of how the community descended into near anarchy under the watch of the Ontario Provincial Police and could be poised to slip even further."

Teen shot dead by police

TheStar.com - Teen shot dead by police: "While investigating a report of a stolen van, a Toronto police constable shot the 15-year-old driver to death as the vehicle bore down on his partner just before dawn today, police sources said."

SIU Concludes Custody Death Investigation in Windsor

CNW Group: "TORONTO, June 20 /CNW/ - James Cornish, the Director of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), has concluded there are no reasonable grounds to believe that two Windsor Police Service (WPS) officers committed a criminal offence in relation to the death of Bryan Dukic."

Did false accusation help create a violent criminal?

TheStar.com - Did false accusation help create a violent criminal?: "Chicago, Ill.—Romarr Gipson was arrested and told he was a killer when he was 7. It took almost a month before he and a friend were told it was all a mistake and they could go home.

Now 15, Gipson is behind bars, charged as an adult in a double shooting. And some wonder whether the false murder accusation ruined his life and pushed him down a troubled path."

Prosecutors seek to revoke Conrad Black's bail

Prosecutors seek to revoke Conrad Black's bail TORONTO - The U.S. government has filed an emergency motion threatening to revoke Conrad Black's bail, claiming he understated the amount of a Canadian tax lien against his Palm Beach mansion and ''severely'' understated the value of other assets he used to secure bail.

Youths eye terror bail

TorontoSun.com - Toronto And GTA - Youths eye terror bail: "BRAMPTON -- Two teens who are among 17 people alleged to be part of a group that was planning terrorist attacks on Canada appeared in court yesterday for bail hearings."

CTV documentary raises troubling questions about 'monster' Ferrier

CTV documentary raises troubling questions about 'monster' Ferrier: "TORONTO (CP) - An inmate denounced as a serial rapist and violent psychopath when he was briefly released, then jailed again in a blaze of harsh publicity two years ago is about to walk the streets once more.

But a new TV documentary, set to air ahead of Martin Ferrier's impending release from Ontario's Warkworth Institution, raises troubling questions about how a man described as a 'teddy bear' came to be branded a monster."

Machine gun seized; man arrested

TheStar.com - Machine gun seized; man arrested: "Police seized a sub-machine gun and arrested a man in an apartment on Mount Olive Dr. in Etobicoke yesterday after shots were fired during suppertime."

1 dead after police shooting

TheStar.com - 1 dead after police shooting: "One man is dead following an apparent police shooting early Tuesday at a Scarborough apartment building that has left residents shaken.

Witnesses believe police shot the man after he refused to drop his weapon."

Expert casts further doubt on Truscott science

TheStar.com - Expert casts further doubt on Truscott science: "Another expert at the review into Steven Truscott's murder conviction has cast doubt on the science that helped send him to jail in 1959."

Teen swung at him with knife, officer testifies

TheStar.com - Teen swung at him with knife, officer testifies: "A Toronto police officer testified today at a coroner's inquest that Jeffrey Reodica swung at him with a knife and was just inches from his face and neck when his quick-thinking partner fatally shot the 17-year-old."

Suspected street racer dies in hospital

TheStar.com - Suspected street racer dies in hospital: "A 25-year-old Etobicoke man who spent almost a week in hospital with serious head injuries following a suspected street race has died."

Court should rule in favour of rights

Court should rule in favour of rights: "The scene: Early on a September morning in 1999, in a parking lot outside a strip joint in Brampton, Ont. Ten men were standing around. Nearby police received a phone tip that four of the men had handguns. The caller was specific about which cars belonged to the four, providing colours and models.

The issue: Did the police have the right to stop every single person who got into a car and then drove away?

In a case that landed before the Supreme Court this week, police and the Ontario and federal governments contend that Toronto police acted prudently in setting up a roadblock and stopping the first car that left the parking lot. To police, a 'gun call' was reason enough to assume that a dangerous incident was in the making."

Case 'overstated'

globeandmail.com : Case 'overstated': "Last week, three men went before the Supreme Court of Canada to appeal their detention under the controversial national security certificates, which are used to deport suspected terrorists who are not Canadian citizens."

Shot boy, 13, walks to hospital

TheStar.com - Shot boy, 13, walks to hospital: "A 13-year-old boy walked into an Etobicoke General Hospital last night suffering from a gunshot wound to the abdomen."

Two teen terror suspects return for bail hearing - CTV News, Shows and Sports -- Canadian Television

CTV Toronto - Two teen terror suspects return for bail hearing -: "Two teenagers charged in the alleged Toronto-area terrorist plot will be back in a Brampton, Ont., court Monday to find out if they will be released on bail."

Toews, MPs reject defence lawyer's accusations

The Hill Times - Newspaper Online.: "Parliamentarians say arrests of suspected terrorists won't influence upcoming vote on controversial sunset clause in Anti-Terrorism Act."

Truscott saga near an end

TheStar.com - Truscott saga near an end: "Court to hear testimony in 1959 case. Suspect in notorious murder now 61Court to hear testimony in 1959 case. Suspect in notorious murder now 61"

Raising age of consent sparks uproar

TheStar.com - Raising age of consent sparks uproar: "The federal government plans to introduce legislation this week to raise the age of consent to 16 from 14. On the surface, the bill seems like a slam-dunk, particularly in a world where parents fear Internet luring and predators of all sorts."

Shootings mar anti-gun walk

TheStar.com - Shootings mar anti-gun walk: "Just as yesterday's Stop the Violence walk was getting underway downtown, a man in his early twenties was shot with a handgun three times in the right arm and once in the upper chest in the Sheppard Ave. E. and Neilson Rd. area."

Porn-fighting officer bows to nightmares

TheStar.com - Porn-fighting officer bows to nightmares: "After five years at the helm of Toronto Police's child exploitation unit, Paul Gillespie woke up one morning and decided he couldn't look at another online image of a child being abused."

Boy shot in drive-by shooting in T.O. park

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Boy shot in drive-by shooting in T.O. park: "

TORONTO (CP) - A 13-year-old boy was seriously hurt after a drive-by shooting in a Toronto park."

After Jane, a rallying cry

TheStar.com - After Jane, a rallying cry: "Idene Miller wept when she heard Toronto police had made arrests in the Boxing Day killing of 15-year-old Jane Creba on Yonge Street.
'I know how the parents feel and everything � they're going through the same thing I'm going through,' says the 63-year-old Brampton woman. Her 26-year-old daughter, Livvette Moore, was shot to death in a North York nightclub in April 2005. She is now raising her daughter's four orphaned children, aged 6 to 11. Single, Miller says she is barely getting by on $800 a month."

[...]

Arrests made in two homicides

TheStar.com - Arrests made in two homicides

Three held after shots fired at Ryerson

TheStar.com - Three held after shots fired at Ryerson: "Three men have been arrested after shots rang out last night at Ryerson University.

A round of five shots were fired into the air at Gould St. and Victoria St. after 6:30 p.m."

Police seeking masked gunman

TheStar.com - Police seeking masked gunman: "A Toronto school will reopen today after being closed yesterday as police scoured the surrounding area in search of a masked gunman who allegedly fired at an officer."

U.S. gang trying for Canada base

TheStar.com - U.S. gang trying for Canada base: "A U.S. gang that the FBI regards as a dangerous and growing threat is trying to make inroads into Canada, a Peel Region police intelligence officer says.

MS-13, whose members originate in Central America, is an extremely well-organized and vicious criminal organization whose ruthlessness exceeds even that of notorious U.S. street gangs such as the Crips and the Bloods, Det. Anthony Melaragni said in an interview yesterday."

Police probe apparent murder-suicide

TheStar.com - Police probe apparent murder-suicide: "York Region police are investigating the death of a woman in an apparent murder-suicide attempt at a Richmond Hill home last night."

More arrests in Bandidos case

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: More arrests in Bandidos case: "WINNIPEG (CP) - Three Winnipeg men with links to the notorious Bandidos biker gang - including a former police officer - were charged Friday in the massacre of eight fellow gang members and associates in Ontario."

Mom of firebomber to stand trial

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Mom of firebomber to stand trial: "MONTREAL (CP) - The mother of a teenager convicted of firebombing a Jewish school has been ordered to stand trial for allegedly being an accessory after the fact."

Top U.S. court eases police search rules

TheStar.com - Top U.S. court eases police search rules: "WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court made it easier Thursday for police to barge into homes and seize evidence without knocking or waiting."

Top U.S. court eases police search rules

TheStar.com - Top U.S. court eases police search rules: "WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court made it easier Thursday for police to barge into homes and seize evidence without knocking or waiting."

Murder charge dropped in death of cop

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Murder charge dropped in death of cop: "WINDSOR, Ont. (CP) - A first-degree murder charge has been dropped against a teenager accused in the slaying of a Windsor, Ont., police officer."

Security guard charged with sex assault

TheStar.com - Security guard charged with sex assault: "A mall security guard has been accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old-Mississauga woman and impersonating a police officer."

Accused sexual predator denied bail

TheStar.com - Accused sexual predator denied bail: "A man convicted of sexually assaulting and robbing women on the York University campus has been denied a second attempt at bail after he was arrested for breaching his release conditions last Thursday."

Jail Guité, Crown urges

TheStar.com - Jail Guité, Crown urges: "ONTREAL — A Crown prosecutor has recommended that the former federal bureaucrat in charge of the sponsorship program be sentenced to between three and four years for defrauding the government."

Man wanted for Attempt Murder of a Police Officer, 23 Division

Toronto Police Service :: To Serve and Protect: "The Toronto Police Service is seeking the public's assistance in locating a man wanted for Attempt Murder of a police officer.

At approximately 3:07 a.m., a Toronto Police Service officer from 23 Division Traffic Unit was on routine patrol.

It is alleged that:

-while in the area of Kipling Avenue and Rowntree Road, the officer observed a man walking from the Humber River Valley onto Rowntree Road carrying a long-barrelled firearm,

-the officer called other units for assistance and a foot pursuit was initiated,

-during the course of the pursuit, the suspect turned toward the officer and fired his weapon,

-the officer exchanged fire and the suspect continued to flee on foot north from Rowntree Road along the Humber River Valley.

The suspect is described as: black, approximately 6'0', wearing a black mask, black shirt with short sleeves, dark pants and dark shoes. "

Tories propose street-racing crackdown

globeandmail.com : Tories propose street-racing crackdown: "Racing cars on public streets in Canada would become a distinct criminal offence under new federal legislation unveiled Thursday, and those convicted in the most serious cases could face the prospect of life behind bars or be banned from the country's roadways permanently."

'They're no murderers': Kin

TorontoSun.com - Toronto And GTA - 'They're no murderers': Kin: "In a packed courtroom filled with distraught relatives and friends, nine males accused in the shocking Boxing Day shootout that left Jane Creba dead and six others wounded appeared before a judge for the first time yesterday. "

Canadian security, liberty debated

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Canadian security, liberty debated: "OTTAWA (CP) - Protecting national security is the key to maintaining a free and democratic society, say federal lawyers defending their arsenal of legal weapons for evicting terrorist suspects from Canada."

Homicide #29/2006*, Clive McNabb, 39, Police seeking suspect for Second Degree Murder, Steven Cedric Forde, 44

Toronto Police Service :: To Serve and Protect: On Tuesday, June 13, 2006, at 12:49 p.m., police received a call at 1197 Weston Road for a stabbing.Officers located a man in the bedroom of the apartment with an apparent stab wound to the chest.Toronto EMS attended. Lifesaving attempts were made but the man was pronounced dead.

Arrest in concrete toss case

TheStar.com - Arrest in concrete toss case: "A 14-year-old Oshawa boy faces charges almost five months after a woman driving on Highway 401 was seriously hurt when a chunk of concrete was hurled from an overpass onto her car."

Kidnapper gets house arrest

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Kidnapper gets house arrest: "A prominent lawyer who abducted his ex-girlfriend’s child for 11 days during a domestic dispute was sentenced today to 18 months of conditional house arrest.

Melee breaks out at Creba hearing

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Melee breaks out at Creba hearing: "TORONTO (CP) - A commotion erupted in Toronto today during the court appearance of nine suspects in the fatal Boxing Day shooting of Jane Creba.

Some family members of the accused apparently started shouting to get inside the courtroom."

Girl, 17, charged after Brampton stabbing

TheStar.com - Girl, 17, charged after Brampton stabbing: "A 17-year-old girl faces aggravated assault charges after a stabbing in Brampton."

Woman assaulted in daylight in park

TheStar.com - Woman assaulted in daylight in park: "Police are looking for a young man after a woman was attacked and sexually assaulted in a Scarborough park in broad daylight Tuesday."

2 jailed in Nigerian letter scam

TheStar.com - 2 jailed in Nigerian letter scam: "Two Toronto businessmen who ran a sophisticated Nigerian letter scam from a local “boiler room” have been sent to prison for defrauding hundreds of victims worldwide."

Charges laid after woman falls from van

TheStar.com - Charges laid after woman falls from van: "Charges have been laid after a woman fell from a moving vehicle in Georgetown on Monday."

Street racing probed in late-night crash

TheStar.com - Street racing probed in late-night crash: "25-year-old man is fighting for his life in hospital this morning, after an accident in Etobicoke late Tuesday night that police say may have been caused by street racing."

How Creba case unfolded

TheStar.com - How Creba case unfolded: "The bullet that tore through the green apple emblem on Jane Creba's shirt this past Boxing Day also wounded a city and left a country in shock.

Within hours of the slaying of the innocent victim of street gang warfare, a shootout that left six other holiday shoppers injured, the Toronto police were able to build on previous anti-gang methods and intelligence to tackle the crime that made headlines around the world."

Homicide #29/2006*, Clive McNabb, 39, Police seeking suspect for Second Degree Murder, Steven Cedric Forde, 44

Toronto Police Service :: To Serve and Protect: On Tuesday, June 13, 2006, at 12:49 p.m., police received a call at 1197 Weston Road for a stabbing.Officers located a man in the bedroom of the apartment with an apparent stab wound to the chest.Toronto EMS attended. Lifesaving attempts were made but the man was pronounced dead.

Tories rule out new anti-terror powers

Tories rule out new anti-terror powers: "OTTAWA — The federal government will not seek new anti-terrorism powers in the wake of arrests last week for an alleged Toronto bomb plot, despite earlier hints to the contrary."

Courts impose publication ban

Courts impose publication ban: "BRAMPTON, Ont. — Lawyers representing some of the 17 terror suspects arrested recently in Toronto said their clients are being subjected to “cruel and unusual punishment” while in detention."

Accused storms out of hearing

TheStar.com - Accused storms out of hearing: "A Canadian Human Rights Tribunal hearing was adjourned unexpectedly yesterday after the accused man stormed out of the room, yelling and accusing a witness of slander."

Former lawyer to be sentenced

TheStar.com - Former lawyer to be sentenced: "More than seven years after abducting his ex-lover's child, a former Toronto criminal lawyer will learn tomorrow if he's going to jail.

Kadir Baksh, 56, asked for mercy from Justice Casey Hill at his sentencing hearing two weeks ago."

Reodica's knife at scene: Friend

TheStar.com - Reodica's knife at scene: Friend: A knife found at the scene where Jeffrey Reodica was fatally shot by an undercover police officer belonged to the slain teen, a friend of the 17-year-old told a coroner's court yesterday.

Names, charges of those arrested in Jane Creba shooting

TheStar.com - Names, charges of those arrested: "Toronto police have arrested 25 people as a result of a shooting on downtown Yonge St. on Boxing Day that resulted in the death of Jane Creba."

Charges in Creba case

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Charges in Creba case: "TORONTO (CP) — Eight people are facing charges in the shooting death of an innocent teenage girl in Toronto on Boxing Day.

Toronto police Chief Bill Blair says three of the accused, including one youth, are charged with second-degree murder in the death of 15-year-old Jane Creba."

Treatment of terror suspects challenged

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Treatment of terror suspects challenged: "OTTAWA (CP) - The federal government is violating basic human rights by holding secret court hearings, indefinitely jailing foreign-born terrorist suspects and threatening to deport them to face torture abroad, the Supreme Court of Canada has been told."

Dad acquitted of horrific abuse charges

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Dad acquitted of horrific abuse charges: "39-year-old Ottawa father of five was acquitted today on a series of charges alleging he had beaten and sexually assaulted his children."

Marathon double murder case collapses

TheStar.com - Marathon double murder case collapses: "HAMILTON—It's a marathon double murder case that has stretched nearly eight years and involved a bizarre cast of characters, including a convicted drug smuggler/crime family éminence grise, a former pro wrestler known as 'Johnny K-9' and a British lip-reader"

Batasar under fire from other lawyers

Law Times: "The tactics of Gary Batasar, the lawyer who revealed Crown allegations that his client, 25-year old restaurant worker Steven Chand, intended to take politicians hostage, murder them, and blow up the CBC's Toronto headquarters as part of a massive terrorist plot, is under fire from his criminal law colleagues."

Assault with a Weapon, to wit, an Ice Cream Sundae

I subscribe to a listserve through the Criminal Lawyers Association that discusses a wide range of topics in criminal law. Most of these topics are rather esoteric and not particularly interesting if you are not a criminal lawyer; however, a thread was recently started up about the various items clients have been charged with using as "weapons".

When someone is charged with assault with a weapon, the information usually reads something to the effect of:

"John Smith stands charged that on or about the 4th day of June in the City of Toronto did assault Mary Smith with a weapon, to wit a (INSERT WEAPON HERE)”

Under the Criminal Code, a "weapon" means:

any thing used, designed to be used or intended for use

(a) in causing death or injury to any person, or

(b) for the purpose of threatening or intimidating any person and, without restricting the generality of the foregoing, includes a firearm;

So that being said, here is a list of things that lawyers have claimed their clients have been charged with using as "weapons", the "to wits":

Piggy Bank
Rubber Boot
Spatula
Broccoli (overcooked)
English Cucumber (reported case of Regina v. Robinson from the Ont. Court of Appeal)
Palm Tree
Hot Cheese Sandwich
...
[REALLY I AM NOT MAKING THESE UP!]
...
Pizza
Tea
Orange
Jelly Beans
Dead Chihuahua (Link to this can be found here)
Cell Phone
Etch-a-Sketch
Hamburger Bun (held for a bail hearing)

And perhaps my favourite: to wit, a Trout

SR.

2 stabbed in brawl after World Cup game

TheStar.com - 2 stabbed in brawl after World Cup game: "Two brothers were stabbed and slashed with beer bottles following a street brawl during celebrations of Portugal�s World Cup soccer victory today."

Terror trial may be tainted: Lawyer

TheStar.com - Terror trial may be tainted: Lawyer: "The lawyer representing one of 17 people accused of being terrorists has launched a blistering attack on the 'oppressive, isolation conditions' in which the men are being held."

Terror trial may be tainted: Lawyer

TheStar.com - Terror trial may be tainted: Lawyer: "The lawyer representing one of 17 people accused of being terrorists has launched a blistering attack on the 'oppressive, isolation conditions' in which the men are being held."

Vehicle pursuit - Two men face 15 charges - Firearm Seized

Toronto Police Service :: To Serve and Protect: "Vehicle pursuit, Two men face 15 charges, Firearm seized, 51 Division

In the early hours of Saturday, June 10, 2006, police attended the Parliament Street/Gerrard Street East area for reports of two men armed with a gun in a grey Honda Accord.

It is alleged that:

- police spotted the suspect vehicle and attempted to stop the car in the Mount Pleasant Road/Elm Avenue area,

- the suspect vehicle sped off northbound reaching speeds of approximately 160 km/h,

- the suspect vehicle was eventually stopped and two men were arrested without further incident,

- a .45 calibre pistol and six rounds of ammunition were seized.

Clive Masters, 31, of Toronto, were charged with carious weapons and driving offences.

Both men appeared in court at Old City Hall on Saturday, June 10, 2006.

Terror suspects back in court

TheStar.com - Terror suspects back in court: "The men and teens facing terrorism-related charges will be back in court today to set dates for their bail hearings and ensure they all have lawyers."

Caledonia clash yields warrants

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Caledonia clash yields warrants: "CALEDONIA, Ont. (CP) - Police have issued arrest warrants for seven people facing a host of charges, including attempted murder, after a series of violent clashes at a long-standing aboriginal blockade on a disputed tract of land. "

Counsel for the untouchables

TheStar.com - Counsel for the untouchables: For alleged terrorists fighting deportation, Barbara Jackman is Toronto's go-to lawyer. This week, she'll argue against an immigration law that allows the government to deport alleged terrorists who might face torture back home. Michelle Shephard explains.

OPP plans Caledonia arrests

TheStar.com - OPP plans Caledonia arrests: "CALEDONIA, Ont. Police were seeking arrest warrants today for seven aboriginal protesters they say were involved in a string of violent clashes at the scene of a long-standing native blockade in southern Ontario."

It's about doing the right thing

TheStar.com - It's about doing the right thing: "It's called the code of silence and many young people live by it.

'Nobody wants to be the snitch,' says 14-year-old Erika Morris after attending the screening of a new film called Doomstown. "

Two charged as gun seized

TheStar.com - Two charged as gun seized: "Two men were taken into custody Saturday morning after police seized a gun and ammunition in downtown Toronto."

Internet a breeding ground for crime

globeandmail.com : Internet a breeding ground for crime: "TORONTO � The anonymity and versatility of the Internet has made it an ideal breeding ground for fringe groups to thrive, and police say monitoring the criminal activity that such groups can engage in is harder now than ever before."

Attorney General Announces Judicial Appointments

CNW Telbec: "TORONTO, June 8 /CNW/ - Attorney General Michael Bryant today announced the appointment of four provincial judges to the Ontario Court of Justice, effective June 21, 2006."

Mr. Justice Stephen Brown to preside in Burlington.

Mr. Justice David Harris to preside in St. Catharines.

Madam Justice Eileen Martin to preside in Welland.

Mr. Justice Joseph Nadel to preside in St. Catharines.

Grandparents sentenced in Baldwin case

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Grandparents sentenced in Baldwin case: "TORONTO (CP) - Two grandparents convicted of second-degree murder after they left five-year-old Jeffrey Baldwin to wither and die in a cold, fetid room were sentenced Friday to life in prison with no chance of parole for at least 20 years. "

Suspects in Bandidos slayings in court

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Suspects in Bandidos slayings in court: "ST. THOMAS � All five people charged in connection with the deaths of eight Bandido bikers in April made brief video court appearances Friday. "

Guns rain down on officer during drug raid

TheStar.com - Guns rain down on officer during drug raid: "Guns were falling from the sky during a major drug bust on Wednesday night, police say. "

3 taken to hospital after drive-by shooting

TheStar.com - 3 taken to hospital after drive-by shooting: "Three men were hit by bullets in a drive-by shooting at a social club in a Woodbridge industrial mall yesterday."

Homicide #60/2004, Andrew Christie, 23, Update, Chas Berry, 22, arrested, charged with First Degree Murder

Toronto Police Service :: To Serve and Protect: On Saturday, June 3, 2006, at approximately 8:40 p.m., York Regional Police were investigating alleged drug trafficking in the 14th Street/Markham Road area.

Homicide #26/2006, Gabriel Jaramillo, 22, Man charged with Second Degree Murder, Peyton Badiru, 26

Toronto Police Service :: To Serve and Protect: "Homicide #26/2006, Gabriel Jaramillo, 22, Man charged with Second Degree Murder, Peyton Badiru, 26"

Seven people face over 70 weapon and drug-related charges, Alleged Cocaine Network Dismantled

Toronto Police Service :: To Serve and Protect: "During the spring of 2006, 22 Division Street Violence Task Force and 22 Division Community Response Unit began an investigation into street-level drug dealers and gun possessors operating in the southern Etobicoke area. "

Toronto Police Officer Charged

Toronto Police Service :: To Serve and Protect: "On Wednesday, June 7, 2006, at approximately 9:45 p.m., police responded to a call for a break-and-enter in the Avenue Road/Eglinton Avenue West area.

It is alleged that an unknown man was inside a residence.

Police Constable Robert Mahabir, 25, has been charged with Break and Enter and Threatening Bodily Harm. "

72-year-old sues over strip-search

TheStar.com - 72-year-old sues over strip-search: "A 72-year-old Toronto man alleges police probing a sexual assault of an elderly woman erroneously arrested, strip-searched and detained him for nearly a day because of his skin colour.

Joseph Edwards, in a statement of claim filed early last month, alleges the victim, a woman who lives near him, told police she had been attacked in the early morning on Oct. 15 by a 'young black male with curly hair.'"

8 years in corpse-burning case

TheStar.com - 8 years in corpse-burning case: "A judge sentenced a Toronto man yesterday to eight years in prison for staging a car accident and fire on Highway 401 to dispose of a recently deceased woman in his passenger seat."

Q&A with law professor David Paciocco, on the Anti-terrorism Act

Macleans.ca Top Stories Canada Q&A with law professor David Paciocco, on the Anti-terrorism Act: "'Whether the act violates civil liberties in a way that's unacceptable is a real raging debate'"

Brother denies hiding evidence in booze can murder

TheStar.com - Brother denies hiding evidence in booze can murder: The brother of a drug dealer gunned down behind a booze can two decades ago denies he tried suppress evidence helpful to the accused, Rodney Cain, in his first trial.

Canada Plot Allegedly Involved PM Attack

My Way News - Canada Plot Allegedly Involved PM Attack: "BRAMPTON, Ontario (AP) - Some of the 17 Muslim men accused of plotting terror bombings in Canada also planned to storm Parliament, take hostages and behead the prime minister and other leaders, according to accusations revealed Tuesday by the lawyer for one of the suspects.

Authorities further allege that the suspect, Steven Vikash Chand, plotted to take over media outlets, including Canadian Broadcasting Corp., his attorney said after a brief hearing at the Ontario Court of Justice."

More arrests possible in Canadian terror case | csmonitor.com

More arrests possible in Canadian terror case csmonitor.com: "Canadian authorities are saying that more arrests may be possible in connection with an alleged terror plot to bomb several sites in the province of Ontario."

Entrapment defence is rarely successful, criminal lawyers say

globeandmail.com : Entrapment defence is rarely successful, criminal lawyers say: "'You can probably count on two hands the number of times it has been successful,' Toronto criminal lawyer Steven Skurka said of the defence strategy in an interview yesterday.

Created by the Supreme Court of Canada in 1988, the defence centres on showing that police actively induced a defendant into committing a crime that he otherwise wouldn't have committed."

Top court dismisses lawyer incompetence case

Law Times: "The Supreme Court of Canada's dismissal of an appeal by an Ontario man regarding the issue of ineffective assistance of counsel suggests the system has enough checks and balances to guard against such occurrences, according to Toronto criminal lawyer Joseph Di Luca."

Police seek shooter

TheStar.com - Police seek shooter: "A man who fatally shot a 22-year-old in the head at an after-hours club on the weekend is 'a cowardly tough guy with a gun,' police say."

Thomas says incompetence threatens administration of justice

Law Times: "The administration of justice is in jeopardy because of incompetent court staff and other serious problems, including outdated recording equipment, within the Peel court system, says a Brampton judge. "

Guilty Guite goes straight to jail

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Guilty Guite goes straight to jail: "MONTREAL (CP) - Chuck Guite, the operational mastermind at the centre of the federal sponsorship boondoggle, was sent straight to jail Tuesday for steering money-for-nothing contracts to a friendly ad firm. "

CTV.ca | Experts warn of another 'Summer of the Gun'

CTV.ca Experts warn of another 'Summer of the Gun': "Gun violence is on the rise in Canada's major cities, and police are bracing themselves for another season of escalating casualties."

Fatal crash was a street race, police say

TheStar.com - Fatal crash was a street race, police say: What police call a street race involving luxury cars in Mississauga has left an English visitor dead, two people seriously injured and the dead man's cousin charged with dangerous driving.

\Etobicoke mosque vandalized

TheStar.com - Etobicoke mosque vandalized: "Damage is estimated at more than $15,000 after three-dozen windows and glass doors were smashed overnight at one of Toronto�s biggest mosques."

Street race suspected in auto death

TheStar.com - Street race suspected in auto death: "One man was killed and two other people were seriously injured in a Missisauga car accident Saturday night. According to witnesses, one of the cars involved was street racing just before the crash occurred. "

Mother stabbed to death; son in custody

TheStar.com - Mother stabbed to death; son in custody: "A man is in custody as Toronto�s homicide squad investigates his mother�s murder, after she was found stabbed in her North York apartment Saturday, police say. "

'Get inside, Get inside!' police shout

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: 'Get inside, Get inside!' police shout: "TORONTO - Bob's 14-year-old daughter had been roller blading outside her house when suddenly fully armoured police officers spilled out of a tactical truck and shut down their neighbourhood. "

Man shot dead at Weston Rd. after-hours club

TheStar.com - Man shot dead at Weston Rd. after-hours club: "A man has been pronounced dead this morning after being shot at a Toronto after-hours club, police said today.

The homicide took place just after 6 a.m. morning at 1806 Weston Rd, (map) south of Lawrence Ave. W. "

Bust nets suspected terrorists across GTA

TheStar.com - Bust nets suspected terrorists across GTA: "Police from across the GTA, led by the RCMP's anti-terrorism task force, swooped down on as many as 12 locations Friday night to arrest members of what is being described as a homegrown terrorist cell. "

Suspect arrested in cop shooting

CANOE -- CNEWS - Law: Suspect arrested in cop shooting: "A 12-hour standoff has ended outside Smiths Falls with the arrest of a suspect in the shooting of an OPP officer last night. "

Man, 60, sought in vicious beating

TheStar.com - Man, 60, sought in vicious beating: "Police have issued a warrant for a 60-year-old man after a woman was beaten with a metal bar while she slept early Friday morning in the city's west-end.

Police were called to a home in the Beechborough Ave. and Keele St. area this morning shortly after 5:30. "

Arrest made after four cabbies attacked

TheStar.com - Arrest made after four cabbies attacked: A 58-year-old man who was pepper sprayed during an altercation with three Toronto Police officers succumbed to his injuries yesterday at Sunnybrook Health Services Centre.

Man dies after being pepper sprayed

TheStar.com - Man dies after being pepper sprayed: "A 58-year-old man who was pepper sprayed during an altercation with three Toronto Police officers succumbed to his injuries yesterday at Sunnybrook Health Services Centre. "

Accused killer guilty of previous stabbing

TheStar.com - Accused killer guilty of previous stabbing: "The fate of a man accused of hacking a Toronto woman to death is now in the hands of a jury that retired yesterday without knowing he was serving a conditional sentence in another stabbing when she was killed."

Accused shooter has bail revoked

TheStar.com - Accused shooter has bail revoked: "A man who was one of Toronto's most wanted fugitives has had his $500,000 bail revoked by a Superior Court judge. "

Pinkofskys summer students

Here are all the new Pinkofskys summer students outside Old City Hall after a hectic day of adjournments and motions.

Workshop renews debate on police power

UB Reporter: Workshop renews debate on police power: "Scholars from throughout the United States, Canada and beyond will come to UB June 10-11 to participate in 'The Police Power Reconsidered: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Modern Governance,' a workshop hosted by the Baldy Center for Law and Social Policy in the UB Law School.

The event will examine the broad topic of 'police power,' which sometimes falls between the cracks in current academic discourse."

Toronto street gangs spread out

TheStar.com - Toronto street gangs spread out: BRANTFORD — Police Chief Derek McElveny says he has sleepless nights dreading what bad guy is headed down the road next from Toronto.

It seems this mid-size city of 90,000, like others within easy driving distance of Toronto, including Barrie and Pickering, is the victim of a new phenomenon of big-city street gangs migrating from their traditional turf, a direct response to Toronto police turning up the heat.

Trial for drug squad 6

TheStar.com - Trial for drug squad 6: "Six members of an elite drug squad of the Toronto police have been ordered to stand trial on charges including extortion and assault in what has been called the biggest case of alleged corruption in the force's history."

Pepper spray arrest probed

TheStar.com - Pepper spray arrest probed: The province's Special Investigations Unit is probing an incident that left a 58-year-old man in critical condition after he was pepper sprayed by Toronto police officers during an altercation.