section 11b

The Law's Delay: R v Hanan

In R v Hanan, 2023 SCC 12 [Hanan], the Supreme Court (“SCC”) found that transitional exceptional circumstances did not excuse an excess delay of proceedings under s 11(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms [Charter].    Facts On December 23, 2015, the accused was charged with first degree murder, attempted murder, and firearms-related […]

R v Vassell: Reasonableness and Systemic Flaws in the Legal System

In R v Vassell, 2016 SCC 26, the accused, Mr. Vassell, was charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. However, Mr. Vassell’s trial was delayed by over three years, and because of this, he applied for a stay of proceedings and claimed that the delay violated his s. 11(b) Charter right. Under […]