Brenda Lawson

The applicants, charged with cannabis and proceeds of crime offences, brought Charter applications to exclude evidence seized from their residence and coffee shop.

They alleged breaches of ss. 7 and 8 of the Charter.

The court found multiple s. 8 breaches: the search warrant contained the wrong address (rendering it a warrantless search), the Information to Obtain (ITO) failed to disclose reasonable grounds to search the apartment, and the police executed a 'no-knock' entry without justification.

The court dismissed the s. 7 claim that police planted evidence.

Applying the Grant framework, the court concluded that admitting the evidence would bring the administration of justice into disrepute and excluded the seized cannabis and cash.

The accused was charged with multiple counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking after a police officer approached his parked vehicle, detained him, and discovered drugs.

The accused brought a Charter application alleging arbitrary detention, denial of the right to counsel, and unreasonable search.

The court found that the initial detention was arbitrary and based on mere suspicion, violating section 9.

The court also found a violation of section 10(b) because the accused was not informed of his right to counsel without delay.

Applying the Grant framework, the court concluded that admitting the evidence would bring the administration of justice into disrepute and excluded the drug evidence under section 24(2).

The accused were charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, and possession of marihuana and MDMA, following a police search of an apartment.

The Crown's case relied entirely on circumstantial evidence, including police surveillance of the accused entering the building and their presence in the apartment when the search warrant was executed.

The court applied the Villaroman test for circumstantial evidence and found that the evidence reasonably supported inferences other than guilt, specifically that the accused lacked knowledge and control of the drugs.

Both accused were acquitted on all counts.