On May 12, 2009, CCLA special counsel Jonathan Lisus and Alexi Wood (McCarthy Tetrault) appeared before the Supreme Court of Canada in three separate cases addressing whether suspects are entitled to speak to their lawyers while being interrogated by police. These cases will likely determine the boundaries of the constitutional right to counsel and whether it applies beyond initial arrest and detention. In its submission to the Court, CCLA argued that, under appropriate circumstances, suspects should be given access to a lawyer upon request. In CCLA’s view, such access is necessary in order to help reduce the likelihood of miscarriages of justice.
To see CCLA’s factum before the Supreme Court of Canada click here.
