Vader Verdict, Cameras in Court, and Zombie Laws
So episode 47 – a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show on iTunes and have already rated and reviewed the podcast- right?
On September 15, 2016 an Alberta judge found Travis Vader guilty of the second degree murder of retired couple Lyle and Marie MaCann. Then the internet blew up – at least the legal corner that I live in. The verdict was televised – a controversial rarity in Canadian courts – and on live TV the judge made a massive mistake.
Vader was found guilty based on a criminal law that has been unconstitutional and of no force or effect for a quarter century.
This week we discuss the Vader verdict and the glaring judicial error. We also dive into the issue of cameras in court and throw some shade at the government for leaving zombie laws on the books.
Law, Politics, and Murder – oh my!
Check out the decision here: R. Vader. Ironically the copy made available by some media outlets is missing page 126. The page where the judge makes his mistake! So much for educating the public. Here is the missing page:
Read this: Peter Sankoff on the Travis Vader verdict and Canada’s zombie laws, “Surely, Parliament can do more to repair our most important criminal law statute, and killing off dead clauses would be an obvious place to start.”
And watch Steven Penny‘s full Interview with Global and Sankoff’s full inter view with CBC – and yes Peter does look like a kick ass super villain.
Be sure to read Ian Hanomansing‘s piece on the legal profession’s irrational resistance to recording court proceedings.
We also have some new art – it is still new because it is way easier to just copy and past this section each week – from an awesome young designer Parker Mazerolle – serious he is crazy good – go check out his work.
Subscribe to The Docket on iTunes to get the latest episode pumped straight into your earbuds. If you like the show your subscriptions, comments and ratings really help us (so do that and then do it on your friends computer too) – Click Here.
You can also access the podcast on SoundCloud.
Emilie Taman on Twitter: @EmilieTaman
Michael Spratt on Twitter: @mspratt
If you like show spread the word.
Enjoy