Current youth system creating ‘little criminals’
Young offenders must be given access to education and rehabilitation programs in order to set their lives on a better path, says Toronto criminal lawyer Roots Gadhia. “We’ve generated and created these criminals. We’re putting them in institutions, taking them away from structure, away from the love of their family and the school system, and […]
Ghomeshi complainants’ lack of credibility damaging for victims
While it’s “commendable” that complainant No. 1 in the Jian Ghomeshi case has waived her right to a publication ban on her name so she can advocate for change in the justice system, Toronto criminal lawyer Roots Gadhia says that doesn’t change the fact that the three key accusers in the case “damaged” how women […]
Debate could open to change Youth Criminal Justice Act
REGINA – RCMP say a six-year-old boy found dead on a Saskatchewan reserve had head trauma and they believe a child under 12 is responsible. Lee Bonneau was found injured in a wooded area last month not far from the Kahkewistahaw First Nation community centre where he was last seen. Staff Sgt. Larry Brost told […]
Decision keeps dirty little secret behind closed doors
An Ontario Court of Appeal decision that has legalized brothels and allows security and other staff to protect prostitutes, is “the most balanced approach the court could possibly reach,” says Toronto criminal lawyer Roots Gadhia. Noting Bedford v. Canada is “not a very surprising result,” Gadhia says, “It has been clear for some several years […]
Gadhia’s client acquitted, spared deportation
A landed immigrant has been acquitted of a serious drug charge and spared deportation after “shoddy” police work became the focus of the defence cross-examination of Crown witnesses, Toronto criminal lawyer Roots Gadhia tells AdvocateDaily.com. After just three days of trial and four witnesses, the prosecutor asked Ontario Superior Court Justice John Sproat to dismiss […]
Gadhia: destroy non-conviction police records
The police practice of retaining records associated with an investigation that didn’t result in a criminal conviction or no charges at all is wrong and must be stopped, says Toronto criminal lawyer Roots Gadhia. “Individuals have a right not to be encumbered by any criminal matter where charges have been withdrawn or for which they’ve […]
Discrimination a daily reality for minority lawyers: report
TORONTO – Discrimination is an everyday reality for black and other visible minority lawyers that must be addressed, according to a new report by the body that regulates the profession in Ontario. The blunt Law Society of Upper Canada report, titled “Challenges Faced by Racialized Licensees,” contains some disquieting findings. “Overt discrimination and bias are […]
Gadhia’s client acquitted of manslaughter after complex trial
By Peter Small, AdvocateDaily.com Contributor A young man has been acquitted of manslaughter after Toronto criminal lawyer Roots Gadhia argued that the death of a co-worker was the result of group horseplay gone wrong. “It’s one of those cases that you will always remember because it encapsulates what we do as lawyers — the protection […]
Identification evidence ‘inherently suspect’
In a jury trial that highlighted the frailties of identification evidence, Toronto criminal lawyer Roots Gadhia’s client has been acquitted of attempted murder and gun charges. Her client had been charged with one count each of attempted murder, discharging a firearm and possession of a firearm in connection with a shooting that occurred outside the […]
If race wasn’t an issue, carding would be an effective policing tool
Toronto criminal lawyer Roots Gadhia says it’s positive that Toronto’s police chief has suspended the controversial practice of carding “until further notice” because of the racial issues it raised. “While the practice of carding can be an effective method of policing, it’s unfortunate that many officers haven’t been able to use it in a fair […]
Gadhia speaks at Ontario Bar Association event
Toronto criminal lawyer Roots Gadhia spoke as a member of a panel discussion on the “Emerging Trends in Judicial Interim Release” at a recent Ontario Bar Association event. The discussion, held Oct. 20, was moderated by Justice of the Peace Esther N. Daniel. Other guest panelists were Justice Gary Trotter of the Superior Court and […]
Inconsistent policies lead to inequities in searching accused
By Paul Russell, AdvocateDaily.com Contributor Ontario police forces continue to conduct unnecessary strip searches despite constant criticism and admonishment from within the justice system, says Toronto criminal lawyer Roots Gadhia. “They’re happening far too often, and the courts are continually trying to draw a line to say, ‘This was an unnecessary strip search, you violated […]
