The appellant, an inmate serving a life sentence, was charged with a serious disciplinary offence and faced potential solitary confinement.
He applied for legal aid for his disciplinary hearing, but the Legal Services Society refused, claiming such hearings were not covered under the Legal Services Society Act.
The Supreme Court of Canada held that the appellant was entitled to legal services under the Act because the proceedings could lead to confinement.
However, the Court ruled that the Society retains the discretion to determine the appropriate level of legal services required, which may not necessarily include full legal representation at the hearing.
