The accused, a senator, was charged with accepting a benefit in consideration for exercising influence in connection with government business, contrary to s. 121(1)(a) of the Criminal Code.
The trial judge acquitted the accused, finding that the Crown failed to prove a 'corrupt' state of mind.
The Court of Appeal upheld the acquittal.
The Supreme Court of Canada allowed the appeal and ordered a new trial, holding that s. 121(1)(a) does not require a 'corrupt' state of mind.
The Crown need only prove that the accused intentionally committed the prohibited act with knowledge of the relevant circumstances.
