New edition of “Prosecuting and Defending Sexual Offence Cases” now available online.

The second edition of Prosecuting and Defending Sexual Offence Cases by Daniel Brown and Jill Witkin, is now available to member’s online through the Member’s Portal.

Sexual Offence Cases 2e

This new edition contains “new chapters on historical sexual offences and cross-examination on private records, and reflects changes in Bill C-51 pertaining to third party records, other sexual history, and consent. Analysis of case law and relevant Criminal Code provisions have been integrated throughout in order to effectively guide readers through the flow of a sexual offence case.”

Also included:

  • Discussion of the new s. 278.92 regime that governs the use of records in sexual offence cases;
  • New section dealing with “myths and stereotypes” in relation to the complainant as well as the accused;
  • Key commentary, from both Crown and defence, on advocacy and trial strategy.

This title is the fourth volume in Emond’s Criminal Law Series. Check out the rest of the series in the Library Resources section of the Member’s Portal.

New Online Titles

These titles have been newly added to our online collection on DesLibris, which is available behind the Member’s Portal:

Sentencing in Canada : Essays in Law, Policy, and Practice edited by David Cole and Julian Roberts
“Sentencing in Canada contains a unique collection of essays that explore all key aspects of sentencing. The contributors include leading academics, criminal law practitioners, and members of the judiciary, and many of the authors have extensive experience working in the areas of sentencing and parole. The volume is not simply a statement of the law—instead, the chapters examine the wider context in which sentencing and parole decisions are taken. The volume also incorporates findings from the latest empirical research into sentencing policy and practice in Canada, including important issues such as sentencing Indigenous persons. As Mr Justice Moldaver notes in his preface, the volume “will be useful to criminal law practitioners and, more generally, to all persons interested in sentencing.”

Financial Skills for Professionals by Vern Krishna
“It is important for professionals and lawyers in commercial, corporate, family, estate, civil litigation, and criminal practices to understand the rudimentary concepts of accounting and financial law. Professionals often fear financial statements. This book uses clear, concise explanations and simple numerical examples of what lawyers and professional persons need to know to understand financial law and statements.”

The Law of Evidence – 8th ed. by David Paciocco, Palma Paciocco, and Lee Stuesser
The Law of Evidence, by David M Paciocco, Palma Paciocco, and Lee Stuesser, is Canada’s leading text in evidentiary law in both criminal and civil cases. For more than two decades, it has been relied upon by judges, practitioners, and scholars in the courtroom and in the classroom. The strength of the book is that it does not simply organize and describe the most important topics in the law of evidence; it is designed to simultaneously teach the law of evidence and provide a concise reference source of the leading authorities. In this newest edition of this frequently cited book, the authors continue the practice of organizing, explaining, and illustrating the law of evidence clearly, simply, and practically. The Law of Evidence, 8e, provides authoritative analyses of new cases, and portions of the book have been rewritten or reorganized to enhance discussion of the most important topics in evidentiary law.”

Canadian Family Law – 8th ed. by Julien D. Payne and Marilyn A. Payne
Canadian Family Law will be of particular interest to judges, legal practitioners, mediators, arbitrators, and other professionals who require an understanding of the law relating to families. It also provides a unique source of information for law students and their professors as well as members of the public who face domestic crises and the threat of marriage breakdown. The eighth edition of Canadian Family Law is a companion volume to Payne and Payne, Child Support Guidelines in Canada, 2020. Previous editions of both of these texts have been cited in hundreds of judicial decisions across Canada, including the Supreme Court of Canada and appellate courts from coast to coast. Canadian Family Law has also been adopted as required reading in family law courses presented by several colleges and universities across Canada.”

Find these books and many more on DesLibris. If you require assistance please contact us at library@lawsociety.mb.ca or check out our Legal Ease guide on DesLibris here.

Interested in reading desLibris titles offline on your phone or tablet? Watch for an upcoming guide on using the DITA reader app.

New Online Titles

These titles have been newly added to our online collection on DesLibris, which is available behind the Member’s Portal:

Information and Privacy Law in Canada by Barbara von Tigerstrom
” Information and Privacy Law in Canada explores how we can access information held by public bodies, what governments and other organizations can do with information about us, and how we can use the courts or other mechanisms to hold others accountable when they violate our privacy or misuse our personal information. It examines privacy as a multi-faceted concept that includes control over information about ourselves, but also protection of our identities, our personal space, and even our bodies from unwanted scrutiny and interference.”

Mergers, Acquisitions and Other Changes of Corporate Control –3rd ed. by Christopher C. Nicholls
“This book offers a succinct and insightful discussion of the principal laws governing mergers and acquisitions transactions conducted in Canada. It draws on a collection of loosely related legal principles and rules in corporate law and securities law, as well as a handful of other areas relevant to Canadian business acquisitions. This third edition discusses the implications of a host of recent legal and regulatory developments since the publication of the second edition, including, in particular, the groundbreaking changes introduced by National Instrument 62-104 in 2016.”

The Canadian Investor : Challenge and Change in Canadian Capital Markets by Anita Indira Anand
The Canadian Investor is one of the clearest and most informative accounts of Canada’s financial system and the issues it has been facing since the 2008 financial market crash. This insightful book examines all aspects of the many different institutions, programs, actors, and laws that affect investors’ rights. A detailed and accessible analysis of the Canadian landscape that explores securities commissions and other regulatory institutions through a contemporary lens, The Canadian Investor is currently unique in Canada.”

Criminal Procedure — 4th ed. by Steve Coughlan
“This book sets out and examines the law governing criminal procedure in Canada. It explains the body of rules and principles that govern the investigation, prosecution, and adjudication of any offence enacted by Parliament for which an accused person would have a criminal record if found guilty by a court exercising jurisdiction under the Criminal Code. This fourth edition updates the law in all areas of criminal procedure. Most notably, it incorporates significant discussion of Bill C-75, which has made changes to a great many areas of the Criminal Code. In addition, it includes discussion of significant new Supreme Court of Canada cases.”

Anatomy of an Election : Canada’s Federal General Election of 2019 Through the Lens of Political Law by Gregory Tardi
Anatomy of an Election takes a comprehensive and interdisciplinary look at Canada’s 2019 federal election as an example of a democratic election. This book is unique in its explanation of elections and electioneering. It sets the scene by enumerating the foundational elements of Canada’s electoral system, focusing on the constitutional principles, the legislation, and the major court judgments. It then traces the flow of political legal events since 2015 that have led to the forty-third general election. Most importantly, this text provides a day-by-day diary that records the most important political and legal events throughout the campaign.”


Find these books and many more on DesLibris. If you require assistance please contact us at library@lawsociety.mb.ca or check out our Legal Ease guide on DesLibris here.

New Titles added to our collection

The Library has received a number of new books now available for lending. See below for a list as well as summaries of these new additions.

Estoppel – 2nd ed. by Bruce MacDougall, “Estoppel is understood at a basic level by many lawyers, but this set of legal doctrines is highly complex and filled with such confusing terminology, such that it poses a challenge for both practitioners and scholars alike. This is the first Canadian text book that clarifies the subject matter from a Canadian legal standpoint and deals with its complexity and subtleties in a manner that’s easily understood. Written by a veteran University of British Columbia law professor, this civil litigation book pulls together various aspects of estoppel into one place, saving readers valuable research time, while educating them on the rules and principles of estoppel in a clear and organized manner.”

Legal and Legislative Drafting – 2nd ed.  by J. Paul Salembier, “Drafting complex legal and legislative documents can be challenging. From the organization of complex ideas to ensuring clear and unambiguous language, legal and legislative drafting is an onerous task. Mistakes can be costly – even catastrophic -for lawyers who face malpractice claims if drafting errors cost their clients money. Those charged with drafting legislative or legal documents need a solution to help them navigate through these challenges.”

Impaired Driving in Canada – 5th  ed. by Joseph F. Kenkel, “The Honourable Mr. Justice Joseph F. Kenkel analyzes every step of the impaired driving case, from the roadside stop through to sentencing. This book provides coverage of an offence where, according to one Parliamentarian, “every word and every comma in every section has been litigated”, and is an indispensable companion for all members of the criminal law bar and bench..”

The Canadian Law of Mortgages – 3rd  Edition by Joseph E. Roach, “The third edition of this book, cited numerous times by the court in every major Canadian jurisdiction, fully updates you on the law of mortgages in Canadian common law jurisdictions. Author Joseph Roach delves into problems and questions that real estate practitioners tackle on a daily basis.  The result is a fast, efficient reference of a national scale.”

The Executor’s Handbook – 6th ed. by Jennifer A. Greenan, “From making funeral arrangements, to the final distribution of the estate, the administration of an estate can be a complex, multi-faceted and often emotional task. The Executor’s Handbook is a comprehensive and practical resource designed to assist the executor, administrator or liquidator with this undertaking, and provides the information and direction required to administer an estate in Canada, from start to finish.”

Dispositions Without Trial – 3rd ed. by Robert J. Van Kessel & Edwin G. Upenieks, “This civil litigation reference has been updated to account for changes in the law since the previous edition published in 2007. It provides guidance for evaluating and conducting motions for summary judgment, for determination of issues before trial and for dismissal without delay.”

Commissions of Inquiry by Stephen Goudge & Heather MacIvor, “As noted in the preface to this volume, “Commissions of inquiry have been a part of the Canadian experience since before Confederation.” Public inquiries of various kinds have profoundly affected Canada’s history and society, from Lord Durham’s Report in the 1840s to the delivery of health care in the 21st century. Commissions of Inquiry summarizes the history and evolution of Canadian inquiries and provides a detailed analysis of their current role and procedures. It emphasizes the rights and duties of inquiry participants; the variety and flexibility of public inquiries as a tool for investigation and policy-making; the exceptional powers and discretion vested in Commissioners and their staff; and the growing impact of judicial review on their work. The book casts new light on such perennial concerns as transparency, accountability, public participation in policy-making, and healing for people affected by tragic events.”

– all summaries taken from publisher’s website.

New Library Resource

The Law of Bail in Canada — 3rd edition by Gary T. Trotter is now available for loan.

A continually updated resource that covers all aspects of judicial interim releases from all jurisdictions across Canada. The latest release highlights recent legislative developments from amendments to the Criminal Code and Youth Criminal Justice acts, as well as discussions to changing terminology.

As always, the library can provide electronic excerpts or sections of the text, within copyright guidelines, by email for those unable to make it to the library in person. Just send us an email with your request.

New Online Titles

These titles have been newly added to our online collection on DesLibris which is available behind the Member’s Portal:

The Law of Torts – 6th edition by Philip H. Osborne
“The sixth edition explores current trends in judicial decision-making by incorporating significant developments in the law, including a discussion of Supreme Court decisions in the areas of psychiatric injury in negligence law, the scope of the duty of care in negligent misrepresentation, and the role of intervening causes in negligence litigation. The text also discusses new initiatives in the areas of privacy, the responsibility of lawyers who refer their clients to other professionals, human trafficking, and anti-SLAPP legislation.”

International and Transnational Criminal Law – 3rd edition by Robert J. Currie and Joseph Rikhof
“This third edition updates caselaw and international practice from Canada, including substantial revisions relating to the prosecution of cross-border crimes. It also combines examinations of international courts and tribunals, transnational criminal law treaties, and recent literature to provide a unique perspective on these two international law disciplines that, while best viewed as separate, retain a common heritage and some overlapping concepts and applications.”

The Canadian Class Action Review, Vol. 15, No. 2

  • Introduction, Harvey T Strosberg
  • Linking Societal Injustice and Legalization: Potential of Canadian Class Actions in Addressing International Human Rights Violations Committed by Canadian Corporations Abroad, Terra Duchene
  • Class Actions, Climate Change, and the Charter: Is Success Possible in Common Law Canada?, Eliza Lynn Brown
  • Public Health Inquiries and the Class Action Fall-Out, Barry Glaspell
  • L’oratoire Saint-Joseph Du Mont-Royal V JJ and the Growing Complexity of Quebec’s Authorization Criteria, Shaun E Finn
  • If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It; If You’re Not Sure, Measure Again: Strengthening the Imperfect Mechanics of Class Authorization, Patrick Visintini
  • Crown Immunity in Class Proceedings: The Injustice of Barring Institutional Historical Abuse Claims, Emily Leduc Gagné

Find these books and many more on DesLibris. If you require assistance please contact us at library@lawsociety.mb.ca or check out our library guide on DesLibris here.