Criminal Defence Essentials

Issue #114 of The Beacon is here — and it’s packed.

We’ve pulled together 13 recent decisions with key developments for Canadian defence counsel, so you can stay on top of what’s changing without spending hours digging through case law.

⚖️ 13 decisions. Key takeaways. One place to stay current.

Available in EN & FR.

👉 https://criminaldefenceessentials.com/

Missed Friday's Seminar with Michael Oykhman and Professor Sankoff?

🎥 The recording is now available on the Criminal Defence Essentials website.

The latest federal criminal law reforms are already creating questions that will shape bail hearings, trials, sentencing and everyday defence practice. Waiting for the courts to sort it all out could mean playing catch-up.

In this seminar, Peter and Michael break down the provisions most likely to create uncertainty, flag potential constitutional and statutory challenges, and identify the issues defence counsel should be thinking about right now.

Watch it now. Get ahead of the changes.

👉 https://criminaldefenceessentials.com/recorded-seminars/

Criminal lawyer. Exceptional writer. Ready for something different?

Criminal Defence Essentials is looking for an exceptional lawyer to work directly with Professor Sankoff on a new initiative combining:

- Sophisticated criminal-law research

- High-level legal drafting

- Responsible use of AI

Forget routine work. You’ll tackle difficult legal questions, develop arguments and turn complex law into practical tools that help defence lawyers across Canada.

Think research memoranda, factums, Charter applications, sentencing submissions—and clear, actionable answers to the questions lawyers actually face.

You’ll help shape the initiative from the ground up.

📍 Work anywhere in Canada (Occasional travel to Edmonton required)

If you love criminal law, think critically and write exceptionally well, we want to meet you.

Apply now ➡️ https://criminaldefenceessentials.com/hiring/

The ink is barely dry on the latest round of federal criminal law reforms—but the litigation is already beginning.

What do these changes mean for criminal defence lawyers?

Join Michael Oykhman of Strategic Criminal Defence and Professor Sankoff for Statute Shock: Adapting to the Next Wave of Criminal Law Reform.

They’ll take a first look at the legal and practical issues emerging from the Liberal government’s newest legislative changes, including:
⚖️ Provisions likely to create uncertainty
📚 Potential constitutional and statutory interpretation challenges
👩‍⚖️ What these reforms mean for day-to-day criminal practice

The law is changing. Now the real work begins.
📅 September 4
💻 Live online seminar
✅ CPD Approved
🎥 Recording available on the CDE website following the seminar

30 Day Free Trial: 👉https://criminaldefenceessentials.com/

Back-to-School Special for Law Students!

New semester, new classes, new opportunities to sharpen your legal writing.

Pick up a printed copy of Professor Sankoff’s Guide to Persuasive Legal Writing and build the skills to write clearer, stronger, and more persuasive arguments.

🎓 Law students get 25% off the printed copy!

Regular price: $55
Use code CDESTUDENT25 at checkout.

Start the semester with a skill you’ll use throughout law school — and your legal career.

👉 https://criminaldefenceessentials.com/guide-to-legal-writing/