One columnist’s misreading of a recent court judgment kicked off public condemnations and outrage
The idea that the Supreme Court found the word 'woman' confusing and better replaced by 'person with a vagina' came from a piece by National Post columnist Tristin Hopper, based on a misreading of paragraph 109 of the Supreme Court decision.The outrage spread quickly.
People make mistakes, of course, but this one took off. Journal de Montréal columnist Richard Martineau declared it an example of wokeism everywhere. Former Parti Québécois leader Jean-François Lisée posted that it was another reason forIt was emblematic of how viral public debate works in 2024. It didn’t matter that the decision was on the Supreme Court’s website for all to read.
There is a body of law that is supposed to prevent judges from applying gendered myths and stereotypes that undermine the credibility of women complainants. Some appeals courts have broadened that to a rule that trial judges can’t make “ungrounded assumptions.” In this decision, the Supreme Court rejected that rule.
“Where a person with a vagina testifies credibly and with certainty that they felt penile‐vaginal penetration, a trial judge must be entitled to conclude that they are unlikely to be mistaken,” Justice Martin wrote.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Supreme Court of Canada affirms appeal review standards, rejects novel approachWriting for the majority, Justice Sheilah Martin said no such change to the law is warranted
Read more »
Secret Canada: An ‘ill-founded setback’ for freedom of information at the Supreme CourtThe Supreme Court of Canada issues a long-awaited decision on whether Doug Ford was allowed to keep mandate letters from the public. Plus, the province with one of the most restrictive access regimes
Read more »
Supreme Court of Canada rejects appeal for more freedoms for Matthew de GroodThe Supreme Court of Canada has refused to hear an appeal from Matthew de Grood, who was seeking more freedoms while under psychiatric care. De Grood's lawyer had requested the court to set aside a review board decision and grant him an absolute or conditional discharge. The court's decision has disappointed de Grood's lawyer, who believed it could have addressed important legal issues regarding tribunal independence and impartiality.
Read more »
Day school settlement has paid out $5.7B in claims. A Supreme Court petition says survivors were shortchangedA man walks past the Supreme Court of Canada, Friday, June 16, 2023 in Ottawa.
Read more »
Justice Mary Moreau officially welcomed as the Supreme Court's newest memberSupreme Court of Canada nominee Mary Moreau appears before the House Justice and Human rights committee and the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs committee, in Ottawa, Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023.
Read more »
Duclos makes the case for renovation of the Supreme CourtPublic Services Minister Jean-Yves Duclos says the Supreme Court of Canada complex needs to be renovated, despite a cost that has risen above a projected $1-billion and has no final figure in sight
Read more »