Saturday, March 31, 2012

Reasonable Doubt: Explanations of Legal Terms and Thoughts on Legal Issues

The Georgia Straight has a regular Friday column, Reasonable Doubt, in which lawyers offer general advice about legal topics. It's worth checking out. Here are a few to check out. Click on the link to read the full article.

Lawyer-client privilege not always clear-cut
Nancy Seto, March 30, 2012

Communications are subject to the privilege when three preconditions are met:
1) it’s a communication between a lawyer and client,
2) which entails the seeking or giving of legal advice, and
3) which is intended to be confidential by the parties. 

There are a number of exceptions.

1) “innocence at stake”
2) “public safety exception”
3) “criminal communications”

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Reasonable Doubt: Peace bonds demystified and online surveillance bill criticized
By Nancy Seto,
A peace bond is a court order designed to prevent a person from committing or recommitting a crime that has an aspect of violence (i.e. assault, uttering threats, and criminal harassment). 
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Friday, March 30, 2012

BC Law Society is Going After Freelance Divorce Consultant

An interesting spat is brewing over whether advocates can offer paid advice to assist people in uncontested divorces. Read more about it all below.