5 Things to know about observing parole hearings
- Kate Mitchell
- No comments
The Parole Board of Canada and Ontario Parole Board allow members of the public to attend parole hearings. Below are some things you should know if you’re considering going to a hearing: Observers need to fill out a form before…
Superior Court grants costs to suspended offender held past new statutory release date
- Kate Mitchell
- No comments
In an endorsement dated May 3rd, 2018, a judge of the Superior Court of Justice granted costs to the applicant in Dupuis v Attorney General of Canada, a habeas corpus application. The applicant was released on parole, but it was…
Federal Court orders transfer of transgender inmate
- Kate Mitchell
- No comments
Overview In Boulachanis v Canada (Attorney General), 2019 FC 456, Grammond J ordered the Correctional Service of Canada to transfer a transgender inmate. The inmate was being held at Donnacona Institution, and CSC had denied her request to be transferred…
Pre-sentence reports and correctional decision-making
- Kate Mitchell
- No comments
Pre-sentence reports can have consequences well beyond sentencing, especially for offenders serving custodial sentences. It’s important to be aware of the correctional law implications and address any issues with PSRs as early as possible. What is a pre-sentence report? Pre-sentence…
How to write a parole support letter in five steps
- Kate Mitchell
- No comments
Letters from friends, family, co-workers, etc. can increase an offender’s chances of being granted parole. While there is no specific format required, you should try to be organized, detailed, and honest. Below are five steps to help you prepare a…
Provincial vs federal institutions
- Kate Mitchell
- No comments
An inmate is incarcerated in an institution run either by the federal government or the provincial government. Below is an overview of some of the major differences: Provincial institutions Federal institutions Who goes where? Adults with sentences of imprisonment…
Can parole decisions be appealed?
- Kate Mitchell
- No comments
Yes. Both federal and provincial inmates can challenge parole decisions, but the review mechanisms are different. Inmates can appeal a denial of parole, conditions imposed on parole, revocation decisions, detention orders, etc. Federal inmates Parole decisions for federal inmates…
Borys Law argues jurisdiction in terrorism bail case
- Kate Mitchell
- No comments
On April 12, 2019, Borys Law appeared before Justice Masse to respond to the federal and provincial Crowns’ applications for a new bail hearing for a youth charged with terrorism offences. The youth was released to the care of two…
Can federal inmates be transferred to another province?
- Kate Mitchell
- No comments
Yes. The Correctional Service of Canada has the authority to transfer inmates to institutions across the country. If the offender doesn’t want to move, then it’s known as an involuntary transfer. What is the process for an involuntary transfer? A…
9 Things to know about making phone calls in custody
- Kate Mitchell
- No comments
Federal inmates are assigned a PIN and phone card, and they can only make phone calls to those who are approved. Some numbers are automatically on the phone card though (e.g. the police). Federal inmates need to make a request…