AnalysisQuebec has some of the strongest privacy laws in the western world. CBC lawyer Marie-Philippe Bouchard examines two court rulings that punished Quebec media outlets for publishing photographs of individuals.
AnalysisVancouver lawyer Daniel Burnett reviews the law in four provinces with statutes that protect personal privacy.
FeatureHow do publication bans work and why are they imposed? CBC News Online tackles these and other questions about restrictions on media coverage of court cases. By John Bowman and Justin Thompson.
BackgrounderIn the simplest terms, “copyright” means “the right to copy.” Only the owner of copyright – usually the creator of the work – can produce or reproduce the work, or permit anyone else to do so. Copyright law rewards and protects your creative endeavour by giving you the sole right to publish or use your…
AnalysisVancouver media lawyer David Sutherland explores how defamation law applies to the brave new world of the Internet.
CommentaryCBC lawyer Daniel Henry makes the pitch for camera access to Canada’s courts.
This section contains information, advice and commentary on legal issues that affect how journalists do their jobs.
NewsYoung offenders handed an adult sentence for serious crimes not only lose the right to remain anonymous; they should expect pre-sentence and psychological reports filed with the courts to be made public. That’s the finding of a Nova Scotia youth court judge who in May 2006 ordered the release of exhibits tendered at the sentencing…
NewsThe Canadian Association of Journalists opposes the Edmonton Police Service’s attempt to seize a reporter’s research into a high-profile murder case. “Journalists are not agents of the state, and police should not be depending on them to provide the information needed for criminal investigations,” CAJ president Paul Schneidereit says in a press release.
CommentaryA Toronto Star editorial backs proposals to improve media access to the Ontario courts. Journalists could be allowed to use tape recorders to take notes in the courtroom, and the Internet may be used to notify media outlets of motions to ban publication of evidence. Television cameras may even be permitted to record some hearings.