The Real Threshold for Laying Charges Against Officers: Common Misconceptions and Clarifying What Does (and Doesn’t) Merit Charges

November 7, 2023 9:30am

David Butcher K.C.
Partner
Wilson Butcher LLP

Rob Farrer
Director Pacific/North Region
National Police Federation

Ryan Hira
Legal Counsel
Hira Rowan LLP

This session will look at the acquittal of former RCMP officer Edward Paul Mittelsteadt, the decision behind B.C. Prosecution Service to lay charges in February 2022, and the judge’s declaration of “insufficient evidence.” This panel will discuss the broader takeaways and special considerations affecting pending and future cases. This session will look at the following case law, including Rex vs. Mittelsteadt, Regina vs. Mason, 2022 BCPC 285, and Rex vs. Tsonos, 2022 BCPC 265.