Episodes
Could the very pillars of legal independence be shaking in British Columbia? Michael Mulligan, Barrister and solicitor of Mulligan Defence Lawyers, joins us in dissecting the controversial Legal Professions Act. His perspective shines an unflinching light on how this act could threaten the impartiality crucial to our justice system and the public interest. Get ready for a stirring analysis of the government's rush to legislate, the alarm sounded by legal professionals, and the constitutional ...
Published 05/24/24
Discover the unexpected legal twist when a skid steer transforms from a farm machine into an alleged weapon! Michael Mulligan, our expert from Mulligan Defence Lawyers, is back to dissect a peculiar case from Vernon where a man faces assault charges for using his skid steer in a dispute with homeless trespassers. Learn what makes a skid steer a "weapon," and get a masterclass in the legalities of assault and dangerous driving. Plus, we'll navigate the nuances of a justice system where the Sup...
Published 05/16/24
Discover the true impact of British Columbia's drug policy changes and the possible re-criminalization of hard drugs in public spaces as we navigate the labyrinthine details of Section 56 of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. With the guidance of Michael Mulligan from Mulligan Defence Lawyers, our latest conversation illuminates the gaps between government announcements and the actual legal language, leaving us questioning the intent behind recent amendments. Mulligan also sheds light o...
Published 05/09/24
Prepare to be engrossed as Michael Mulligan from Mulligan Defence Lawyers dissects the intricate case of Ms. Davidson, deputy leader of the federal Green Party, whose criminal contempt conviction has stirred debate. The fine line between staunch activism and legal adherence is put to the test in our discussion of her bail pending appeal. We'll explore whether Davidson's bold pre-sentencing declarations will hold true as we scrutinize the nuanced balance of upholding one's convictions vs the r...
Published 05/02/24
Join the riveting conversation with Michael Mulligan from Mulligan Defence Lawyers as we unravel the complexities of the presumption of innocence in a special episode that delves into the legal labyrinth following a man arrested for multiple carjacking incidents. Mulligan illuminates the difficult decision points for police post-arrest and lays bare the intricacies of bail assessment, particularly when the individual in question has no criminal history. As we dissect the safeguards of communi...
Published 04/25/24
Prepare to navigate the tumultuous waters of legal reform and societal justice with our guest, Michael Mulligan from Mulligan Defence Lawyers. Our latest episode peels back the layers of Bill 21, a contentious BCNDP legislation aimed at bringing the regulator of lawyers in British Columbia under political control. Feel the electric tension as we dissect the Law Society of BC's apprehensions, the BC Conservative Party's firm stance on repeal, and the international law implications flagge...
Published 04/18/24
British Columbia's legal system faces a seismic shift with Bill 21, a move that could rock the bedrock principle of lawyer independence. As the government nudges its way into the Law Society's boardroom, we're left pondering: will the scales of justice tilt in favour of those in power? This episode pulls back the curtain on the potential repercussions of such unprecedented government involvement. Joined by Michael Mulligan from Mulligan Defense Lawyers, we dissect the changes proposed to the...
Published 04/11/24
Embark on a journey through Canada and New Zealand's legal intricacies with Michael Mulligan from Mulligan Defense Lawyers as we dissect how these common law cousins approach justice, representation, and the battle against drugs. You'll be captivated by our discussion highlighting the disparities in Indigenous peoples' representation in the prison systems—a pressing issue both here and in the land of the long white cloud. And if you're intrigued by the varying tactics in the war on drugs, our...
Published 04/04/24
Discover the fate of legal independence in British Columbia as Michael Mulligan from Mulligan Defence Lawyers lends his expertise to the latest legal system 'modernization' attempts. This week's episode pulls back the curtain on the government's controversial plans to revamp the Law Society of British Columbia, including a reduction in elected lawyer positions, which may lead to increased government sway over legal affairs.
The BCNDP seems intent on ignoring a warning from the Supreme Court...
Published 03/21/24
Discover the intricate dance of legality and medicine as we sit down with Barrister and Solicitor Michael Mulligan from Mulligan Defense Lawyers, dissecting a lawsuit that could transform the landscape of healthcare in British Columbia. The Society for Canadians Studying Medicine Abroad, representing future doctors trained overseas, is challenging the residency placement system they believe is unfairly blocking their path. Through an engaging discussion, we navigate the complexities of a...
Published 03/14/24
Understand the groundbreaking shift in digital privacy through an engaging conversation with Michael Mulligan of Mulligan Defence Lawyers as we dissect a recent Supreme Court of Canada judgment. The verdict is reshaping how we perceive privacy concerning our IP addresses, which, as it turns out, are windows into our personal lives and not just innocuous identifiers. Michael walks us through the complexities of a case that has set a new standard: law enforcement agencies must now secure a...
Published 03/08/24
Discover the thin line between lawful investigation and constitutional breaches with our expert Michael Mulligan from Mulligan Defense Lawyers. We dissect a murder case where evidence handling sparked controversy and an acquittal that left many questioning the integrity of the investigation. Dive into a profound discussion on the procedural missteps during the seizure of cell phones and a security system, and how these actions swayed a trial's outcome. The legal dance between police conduct...
Published 03/01/24
Have you ever grappled with the intricate workings of the legal system or wondered how an ordinary person can fare against its complexities? Michael Mulligan from Mulligan Defense Lawyers joins us to unpack a gripping small claims court drama where a patient fearlessly faces a dentist over accusations of negligence. Walk through the courtroom doors in Abbotsford and witness the struggle of gathering admissible evidence, the nuances of consent in medical treatments, and the precarious balance...
Published 02/22/24
Unlock the secrets of safeguarding your last wishes with a captivating narrative from Quadra Island, where an elderly lady's lost will sets off a legal firestorm over the presumption of destruction. As I narrate this tale of vanished legacies, you'll discover the critical importance of not only crafting a meticulous will but also ensuring its safekeeping. This episode plunges into the murky waters of estate law, unravelling a mystery that serves as a stark reminder: the absence of a will can...
Published 02/16/24
From the sanctified grounds of religious buildings to the surprising sanctuaries for fruit trees and bomb shelters, we probe the public policy implications when specific properties are relieved from bearing the tax burden, leaving others to shoulder the financial weight. Our discussion navigates the murky waters of the Rural Area Taxation Act, shedding light on the ripple effect tax exemptions have on society.
Also on the show, BC Hydro pulled the plug on a forestry company's...
Published 02/09/24
Discover the far-reaching consequences of proposed changes to the Land Act in BC. With 94% of BC's land owned by the Crown, changes that would afford First Nations groups veto power over land use decisions could have a profound impact on how the province is governed.
The provincial government's attempt to make the changes without a transparent consultation process, as well as the broader implications for democracy in the province, are discussed.
Also, on the show, the doctrine of...
Published 02/01/24
Unravel the complexities of Canadian law with barrister and solicitor Michael Mulligan, as he clarifies a major court decision on the government's use of the Emergencies Act during the 2022 trucker protest. Grasp the intricacies of why the court found this move both unreasonable and unconstitutional, and how it could signify a turning point for civil liberties in Canada. We're breaking down the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, potential overreach of government power, and the implications of...
Published 01/25/24
This episode brings to the forefront the delicate balance between activism and legality, alongside the intricate nature of estate planning. The discussions offer invaluable insights for anyone interested in how the legal system addresses these often contentious issues.
We are also introduced to animal rights protesters who took drastic measures to expose what they believed were injustices within a pig farm. Barrister and Solicitor Michael Mulligan dissects the legal reasoning behind the...
Published 01/18/24
Navigate the complexities of landlord-tenant relationships with the expertise of Barrister and Solicitor Michael Mulligan from Mulligan Defense Lawyers, who joins us to unravel a contentious case where legal procedures and personal rights collide. As we dissect the Duncan case, you'll gain an understanding of how a simple notice for personal occupancy can escalate into a substantial monetary judgment and why procedural fairness in the Residential Tenancy Act hearings is more crucial than...
Published 01/11/24
Dive into the heart of British Columbia's drug policy transformation with the sharp legal insight of Michael Mulligan from Mulligan Defense Lawyers. Unravel the threads of the decriminalization initiative and the controversial exemption sparking debate from the streets to the courtroom. Amidst the policy shifts, we scrutinize the troubling uptick in public drug consumption and the persistent scourge of drug-related fatalities. The episode takes an incisive look at BC's Restricting Public...
Published 01/06/24
Navigating the intricate labyrinth of inheritance law, Michael Mulligan from Mulligan Defense Lawyers illuminates the conflicts that can ensnare beneficiaries doubling as executors of wills. Our conversation scrutinizes the importance of meticulous estate planning and the often-overlooked wisdom of appointing an impartial executor. We dissect a compelling legal case that invokes Section 103 of the Wills, Estates, and Succession Act, unravelling its role in safeguarding an estate during...
Published 12/31/23
When it comes to understanding the intricate legalities surrounding car accidents and insurance monopolies, there's no better guide than Michael Mulligan from Mulligan Defence Lawyers. In a revealing podcast episode, Mulligan elucidates murky financial arrangements at the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC), a Crown corporation with a grip on British Columbia's vehicle insurance.
The episode delves into a class action certification that shines a light on ICBC's financial...
Published 12/22/23
We started by discussing a captivating case from Central Saanich, a family farm at the center of a contentious legal dispute over tree protection bylaws. As we delved deeper into the case, we questioned the extent of the Community Charter's power on municipalities and whether farming should be classified as 'development'. Understanding the limitations and restrictions of tree protection bylaws is crucial, as it can help property owners avoid unnecessary legal disputes.
Our exploration didn't...
Published 12/14/23
Ever wondered about the potential pitfalls of inadequate paperwork and the enforceability of oral agreements? Well, buckle up! We've got Michael Mulligan, a seasoned Barrister and Solicitor, guiding us through some intriguing legal scenarios that just might make you rethink your decisions. We unpack a fiery dispute between two brothers over their mother's estate, a testament to the importance of arranging your affairs properly. The concept of consideration, joint tenancy and how your...
Published 12/07/23
We start the episode by discussing the federal government's attempt to ban various plastic items. The ban was met with constitutional challenges from the Responsible Plastic Use Coalition and two provinces, Alberta and Saskatchewan. The federal government tried to classify plastic as 'toxic', a categorization that was deemed unreasonable by the judge due to lack of evidence. Furthermore, the government's jurisdiction to regulate garbage and related matters was questioned, as it falls under...
Published 11/30/23