Davies is acting for the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association (BCCLA), an organization dedicated to promoting and defending civil liberties and human rights in British Columbia and Canada, in its intervention before the Supreme Court of Canada in John Howard Society of Saskatchewan v. Saskatchewan (Attorney General). The BCCLA’s application for leave to intervene was recently granted by the Court.

At issue is the constitutionality of certain provisions applicable to the adjudication of disciplinary offences in Saskatchewan correctional facilities. The Supreme Court will be called upon to determine whether the challenged provisions must require that disciplinary offences – like criminal offences – be proved beyond a reasonable doubt. Indeed, inmates found to have committed such disciplinary offences may face comparably severe sanctions such as solitary confinement. Davies’ submissions on behalf of the BCCLA will focus on the interpretation and scope of section 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the relationship between that section and the more specific procedural guarantees offered by sections 8 to 14. The appeal will be heard on October 8 and 9.

The Davies team includes Jean-Philippe Groleau and Alexandra Belley-McKinnon (Public Law). Molly Krishtalka (Alexeev Avocats) completes the team.

Find out more about our Dispute Resolution practice.