Samson Ram was charged with assault against his spouse, Tina Ram.
He admitted to applying force but claimed implied consent, arguing the incident was a "consensual fight" initiated by the complainant, and that no bodily harm was caused.
The court examined the common law doctrine of "consensual fight" as established in R. v. Jobidon and R. v. Paice, specifically questioning its applicability and scope in the context of domestic violence.
Considering the unique policy concerns of domestic violence, the court adopted a narrower interpretation, holding that intentional application of force "capable of causing an injury that is more than trivial" vitiates consent in domestic altercations.
The court found that the force used by Mr. Ram, repeatedly slamming his spouse on the floor, was capable of causing more than trivial injury and was intended to cause bodily harm, thus vitiating any implied consent.
Alternatively, the force exceeded the reasonable scope of any implied consent.
Mr. Ram was found guilty of assault.