The Supreme Court of Canada on Friday ruled that defendants accused of violent crimes such as homicide and sexual assault can use self-induced extreme intoxication as a defense, striking down a federal law supported by women's advocacy groups.
The Supreme Court said a law passed by Parliament in 1995 that prohibits the defense was unconstitutional and violates the country's Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Canadian courts have been split on the issue, while women's advocacy groups have argued that the law is needed to protect women and children as violence disproportionately affects them.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Environmental groups sue Canada over Bay du Nord oil project approvalEnvironmental groups are suing the Canadian government in a bid to overturn its approval of Equinor ASA's huge Bay du Nord offshore oil project, Sierra Club Canada, one of the plaintiffs, announced on Wednesday.
Read more »
Canada-favorite coffee chain Tim Hortons breaks ground on first Houston-area locationThe Canada-favorite coffee chain's first Texas location opens in August in this Houston-area suburb, and there are two additional locations on the way!
Read more »
Fraser pressed on why Immigration has not approved 2,900 Afghans who helped CanadaOnly 900 of the 3,800 Afghans with with their credentials checked have had their applications to come to Canada accepted so far.
Read more »
Liberal government gives $3.5 million to abortion access projects in CanadaThe funding stems from a year\u002Dold budget pledge to spend $45 million over three years to help organizations make sexual and reproductive information and…
Read more »
Spring has sprung, but Canadian home sales on ice after Bank of Canada forces rate hikesDramatic drops from Vancouver to Halifax in April after increase in mortgage rates.
Read more »
Canada banks face 'greenwashing' claims as oil & gas firms obtain sustainable financingFor banks in Canada, one of the world's largest oil producers, it's not easy being green.
Read more »