Skip to main content

Criminal Justice

From programming and advocacy to peer recognition and relevant resources, OBA Section membership connects you with education, engagement and leadership opportunities to propel you to the forefront of your area of practice.

Statue of Lady Justice holding scales, illuminated by sunlight streaming through a window.
OBA and LDD Connect logos with partnership tagline.

Resources, Articles, & Advocacy

Legislative Update | January 23, 2026

Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of January 19

EV Boycott: Premier Ford is calling on Canadians to boycott Chinese-made EVs following a deal between Canada and China to allow up to 49,000 vehicles to enter Canada tariff-free.

Legislative Update | January 20, 2026

Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of January 12

Premier Ford and China EVs: Following Prime Minister Carney’s meeting with Chinese President Xi, Premier Ford has raised alarm bells about the impact cheap Chinese EVs would have on Ontario's auto sector. The Premier has called the deal, which would allow up to 49,000 Chinese EVs to enter Canada tariff-free, as a lopsided deal.

Article | January 19, 2026

Application of the ‘Consensual Fight’ Defence in the Context of Domestic Assaults

Does the common law allow for the defence of “consensual fight” to excuse domestic assaults? This question has concerned defence counsel contemplating potential defences to their clients’ assault charges, Crown counsel trying to prove the accused guilty of the alleged unlawful conduct, as well as trial and appellate judges considering specific policy reasons for vitiating consent in an intimate partner violence context...

Legislative Update | January 12, 2026

Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of January 5

Premier Ford to Turn Over Personal Phone Records: The Ford government’s request for a judicial review of two IPC rulings on access to the Premier’s private phone logs was dismissed. In their decision, the judges wrote, “The conclusion that the Premier used his personal cellphone to conduct Cabinet Office matters is a finding of fact that attracts a high degree of deference.” The Premier’s office will be seeking leave to appeal the decision.

Ontario Court of Justice | January 12, 2026

Plea Court Changes – Effective February 2, 2026

Please be advised of upcoming courtroom changes that will take effect February 2, 2026. These adjustments are being made to streamline plea courtrooms at OCJT.