Narrowing of Personhood
By Brett Haughian I hear the words, the thoughts, the feeling tones, the personal meaning, even the meaning that is below the conscious intent of the speaker. Sometimes too in a [...]
“Getting away with it”: misconceptions about the mentally ill in the criminal law context
We’ve all seen movies or TV shows where the brilliant psychopath escapes criminal liability by using the “insanity defence.” On the steps of the courthouse, he or she would smile deviously and walk out [...]
Rosemary’s story: What does disability mean to you?
Disability means different things to different people depending on their outlook and their experiences, but in the legal system, and particularly with respect to the legal eligibility thresholds to qualify for public benefits, “disability” [...]
Prisoners overcome barriers to bring claims of discrimination against the Province
CLAS is celebrating its victory in two decisions released last month by the BC Court of Appeal, both of which raise broad questions about access to justice for marginalized people attempting to assert basic rights within a [...]
Searching for “normal”: A report from a first time mental health advocate
This week I had my first Mental Health Review Board hearing as a legal advocate. As tends to happen with firsts, the experience left a strong impression on me. So much about the hearing [...]
CLAS successfully defends access to justice at the BC Court of Appeal
In a recent BC Court of Appeal decision engaging significant access to justice and freedom of religion issues, CLAS was successful in defending our client’s rights. Our client filed a human rights complaint against the Province [...]