Canada Supreme Court Literally Says 'Blame Alcohol'
In an unbelievably sad twist, Canada says you can blame it on the alcohol.
Stephen Boisvert
News that is entertaining to read
Subscribe for free to get more stories like this directly to your inboxOn Friday, the Supreme Court of Canada literally ruled defendants accused of violent crimes, including homicide and sexual assault, can use what is called 'self-induced extreme intoxication' as an actual defense in court. The decision strikes down a 1995 federal law, calling it unconstitutional and violating Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Even worse, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously on the matter with Justice Nicholas Kasirer stating, "Its impact on the principles of fundamental justice is disproportionate to its overarching public benefits. It should therefore be declared unconstitutional."
The extreme intoxication defense is officially known as "non-mental disorder automatism," meaning defendants can claim their actions were involuntary as a result of being intoxicated due to taking drugs or drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, therefore making them legally not responsible for their actions.
The decision seems to ignore that individuals using this defense will almost always make the conscious decision to become extremely intoxicated. While the Federal Justice Minister (David Lametti) says the decision won't apply to most cases where someone commits a criminal offense while intoxicated. I doubt that will make anyone feel better about the situation; proving someone didn't suffer from extreme intoxication at the time of a violent crime sounds a bit difficult.
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