Not Reserving Judgment

In Episode 155, we explain why the federal "no more pipelines" law was struck down by an Alberta court for the second time. Plus, we walk through a Supreme Court of Canada decision that upheld a light sentence given to an Aboriginal man who beat up his Aboriginal girlfriend.Stories and cases discussed in this week's episode:R. v. Cope, 2026 SCC 32 Alberta Court of Appeal says Ottawa's Impact Assessment Act is still unconstitutional (Global News)Reference re Impact Assessment Act, 2026 ABCA 320Sentence tossed after man killed in 2021 "speaks" in AI video shown in Arizona court (CBS News)Court Again Finds Federal “No More Pipelines” Law Unconstitutional (TheCCF.ca)Not Reserving Judgment is a podcast about Canadian constitutional law hosted by Josh Dehaas, Joanna Baron, and Christine Van Geyn, with help from Alexander Surgenor.The show is brought to you by the Canadian Constitution Foundation, a non-partisan legal charity dedicated to defending rights and freedoms. To support our work, visit theccf.ca/donate.

In Episode 154, Alexander and Christine discuss the consequences of the Lawful Access Act—even before the law is passed—and the British Columbia Supreme Court's reasons in the case of R v Kalicum, 2026 BCSC 1855; the so-called 'right to deal drugs' case.Stories and cases discussed in this week's episode:Toronto-based VPN provider plans to quit Canada over lawful-access bill (Globe & Mail)Judge tosses drug trafficking convictions for B.C. compassion club founders after constitutional challenge (CBC News)Not Reserving Judgment is a podcast about Canadian constitutional law hosted by Josh Dehaas, Joanna Baron, and Christine Van Geyn, with help from Alexander Surgenor.The show is brought to you by the Canadian Constitution Foundation, a non-partisan legal charity dedicated to defending rights and freedoms. To support our work, visit theccf.ca/donate.

In Episode 153, we tell you about our new freedom of the press case, supporting an independent journalist banned from Alberta Health Services property for trying to do his job. Plus, we update you on the latest developments in the Cowichan Tribes aboriginal title litigation.Stories and cases discussed in this week's episode:Montrose Properties appeals rejection to be party to Cowichan case (Richmond News)Indigenous title ruling could trigger total real estate collapse (Juno News)CCF challenges province-wide ban on journalist entering Alberta Health Services property (TheCCF.ca)Judge tosses drug trafficking convictions for B.C. compassion club founders after constitutional challenge (CBC News)If the BC Conservatives win, Doerkson's status as premier could be challenged in court: Sharma (Business in Vancouver)Not Reserving Judgment is a podcast about Canadian constitutional law hosted by Josh Dehaas, Joanna Baron, and Christine Van Geyn, with help from Alexander Surgenor.The show is brought to you by the Canadian Constitution Foundation, a non-partisan legal charity dedicated to defending rights and freedoms. To support our work, visit theccf.ca/donate.

In Episode 152, we tell you about a new Montreal bylaw banning offensive speech directed at police and municipal employees. Plus, we dig into a new decision that found that the famous anti-gay-lifestyle activist Bill Whatcott guilty of criminal hate speech for his "gay zombies" flyer.Stories and cases discussed in this week's episode:R. v. Whatcott, 2026 ONSC 3605 (CanLii)Montreal city council adopts bylaw banning insults against police, municipal employees (CBC News)Jamie Sarkonak: N.B. judge invents the Aboriginal right to be represented by an elder in court (National Post)Anti-gay crusader with Sask. ties guilty of promoting hatred at Toronto pride parade (Star Phoenix)Not Reserving Judgment is a podcast about Canadian constitutional law hosted by Josh Dehaas, Joanna Baron, and Christine Van Geyn, with help from Alexander Surgenor.The show is brought to you by the Canadian Constitution Foundation, a non-partisan legal charity dedicated to defending rights and freedoms. To support our work, visit theccf.ca/donate.

In Episode 151, we tell you about the BC Human Rights Tribunal decision awarding $20,000 to a teen after a doctor refused to give a puberty blocker. Plus, we discuss a judge's decision to give no jailtime to an Indigenous man who killed a 12-year-old while driving 90 in a 50 km/h zone. Stories and cases discussed in this week's episode:GPS bracelet and house arrest for driver who killed 12-year-old (The Brantford Expositor)Child Q v. Ajaero (No. 2), 2026 BCHRT 189B.C. doctor fined $28,000 for refusing to inject trans-identifying teen with puberty blocker (National Post)Petition to the Government of Canada e-7621 (OurCommons.ca)Trial for Windsor man arrested for skating with protest sign adjourned to November (TheCCF.ca)Not Reserving Judgment is a podcast about Canadian constitutional law hosted by Josh Dehaas, Joanna Baron, and Christine Van Geyn, with help from Alexander Surgenor.The show is brought to you by the Canadian Constitution Foundation, a non-partisan legal charity dedicated to defending rights and freedoms. To support our work, visit theccf.ca/donate.