James C Morton
A polar bear goes into a bar and says, "May I have a gin . . . . . . . and . . . . . . . . tonic, please?"
The barman begins to serve him but asks, "Why the large pause?" The polar bear says, "Don't know; I've always had them!"
Baffinland’s Mary River iron mine approved
The Nunavut Impact Review Board approval, with conditions, is huge. Nunavut will have a major industrial base – this changes everything.
Contempt in family law matters
CM v. SM, 2012 NLCA 59 has a useful comment regarding contempt in family law matters: While the court's power to cite for contempt should be used sparingly, especially in…
What’s the difference between a polar bear and a panda?
About 1500 miles
Why didn’t the teddy bear eat his lunch?
Because he was stuffed!
Unlawful conduct conspiracy
Gentech Insurance Ltd. v. Martina, 2012 ONCA 605 has a useful summary of the law regarding unlawful conduct conspiracy: The trial judge was not referred to this court’s decision in…
Accepting a guilty plea
Section 606 of the Criminal Code provides: Conditions for accepting guilty plea (1.1) A court may accept a plea of guilty only if it is satisfied that the accused (a)…
From the protesters in Cairo
“Before the police, we were attacked by Obama,” shouted one demonstrator, blaming U.S. President Barack Obama and the U.S. government for insulting the Prophet. One banner held aloft by demonstrators…
Racially motivated crimes and sentencing
R. v. Feltmate, 2012 NSSC 319 has useful language on racially motivated crimes and sentencing: Racially-motived crimes are indicative of a lack of respect. The respect of which I speak…
Baffinland proposal would create largest industrial project ever in the North
If done right, lots of jobs and development — but do not underestimate the social dislocation and risk to the environment. I support the project, but with safeguards! Story A…
Not getting enough sleep
Just can’t sleep at night!!!
Does Sam Bacile exist? I am thinking not
Besides, if you actually watch the darn thing on YouTube it is astoundingly poorly done; more like a prank than anything genuine. Story Innocence of Muslims is credited to “Sam…
At least the Egyptian President supports free speech
It is notable that the Egyptian President's statement is a strong endorsement of free speech. Perhaps he realizes its value because of his personal history? "Expressing opinion, freedom to protest…
No conclusion as to whether waiver and promissory estoppel are essentially the same thing
Technicore Underground Inc. v. Toronto (City), 2012 ONCA 597 declines to decide if waiver and promissory estoppel are essentially the same thing: The second matter warranting comment is the City’s…
Romney’s Libyan gamble
Romney has a point — isn’t free speech, even if deeply offensive, a crucial part of a free and democratic society? Isn’t it a problem when the instinct is to…