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In late March 2023, a Manhattan grand jury indicted former US President Donald Trump on more than 30 counts related to business fraud. 

Sounds ominous. Is it though? Is a grand jury truly… Grand?

A Judge in New York once said a prosecutor could indict a ham sandwich in front of a Grand Jury because the process is designed to do the prosecution’s bidding.

In this first episode of Beneath the Law, Canadian lawyers Gavin Tighe and Stephen Thiele examine what the charges really mean, what the grand jury process is really about, and how these legal proceedings might spill into political impacts.

Is it time for just desserts? Or ham sandwiches?

Gardiner Roberts website https://www.grllp.com/

Email Gavin Tighe [email protected]

Email Stephen Thiele [email protected]

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Are Toronto’s homeless encampments pushing the city to its breaking point?

Gavin and Stephen sit down with Dana McKiel, former sports broadcaster and founder of Toronto's Downtown Concerned Citizen Coalition (DCCO).

McKiel offers a firsthand look at the challenges faced by Toronto's downtown residents, highlighting the rise of homelessness, makeshift camps, and their significant impact on the community.

They discuss the city’s evolving response, from controversial "homeless hotels" to facilitated public encampments, questioning the effectiveness of current policies.

Listen for:
04:42 Homeless Hotels & Pricey Contracts
10:18 Explosions & Danger in Public Parks
19:21 Encampment “Whack-a-Mole”
24:29 Tourists & Homeless in the Same Hotel?

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Connect with guest: DANA MCKIEL, Founder Downtown Concerned Citizen Coalition
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What happens when a water gun incident lands someone in court?

Gavin and Stephen dive into the bizarre case of a 63-year-old woman charged with assault for spraying her neighbour with a water gun.

What initially appears to be a ridiculous legal issue turns out to have deeper, darker undertones involving allegations of racism and long-standing neighbourhood animosity.

The unintended consequences of being criminally charged, from legal fees to job suspension, to the use of valuable court resources on trivial disputes.

Listen For:
02:36 Assault with a weapon... or a joke gone too far?
09:02 What makes an act criminal? Legal definitions explained
16:15 Legal aftermath: What happens if the charges are dropped?
21:02 Good fences make good neighbors... or do they?

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Gavin Tighe and Stephen tackle the controversial case of a Manitoba NDP MLA and criminal lawyer, Mark Wasyliw, who was expelled from his party due to his law firm’s association with Peter Nygard’s defense.  

They explore complex issues around the role of criminal defense lawyers, the implications of practicing law while in political office, and the fundamental principles of justice and advocacy.  

Is the NDP’s decision a matter of political morality, or a threat to the independence of the justice system? 

Listen For:
03:04 - Mark Wasyliw: A Criminal Lawyer in Manitoba's NDP
04:47 - Nygard's Case: Guilt by Association?
17:18 - The Injustice of Silencing Advocates
28:48 - When Politicians Interfere: An Apology with a Catch 

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Gardiner Roberts website | Gavin email | Stephen email