Summer 2015 SLPA Paralegal Mooting Competition

What is mooting?

Mooting is a form of appellate advocacy where individuals draw on their advocacy and legal research skills to present legal arguments. Where errors of law are examined; facts and evidence are of no interest. This competition will consist of only oral submissions.

Why should I participate?

Mooting is traditionally a law school exercise. But as paralegals it is important to learn how to think critically, conduct legal analysis and structure legal arguments comprehensively. This is an opportunity to improve your advocacy and legal research skills and meet other students in the Paralegal program at Seneca.

How does it work?

This semester, the Moot Competition Case will be the Supreme Court of Canada decision of Carter v. Canada (Attorney General) 2015 SCC 5 in which the Supreme Court of Canada held that section 241(b) and section 14 of the Criminal Code prohibiting physician assisted suicide violates an individual's right to life, liberty and security of the person as guaranteed by section 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Supreme Court decision is being appealed to the Supreme Court of Seneca College and students will prepare and present oral arguments on behalf of both the Appellant and the Respondent.

Qualification and Registration

1. To qualify for the competition you must apply as a team. You may find a teammate at the general information session!

2. Please email lssassociation@gmail.com with your intention to participate and include your teammates name, title the email “Summer 2015 SLPA Paralegal Mooting Competition Applicant”. The deadline for joining is July 8th, 2015 at 4:00 p.m.

3. The moot competition is open to all students registered in the Paralegal program in the School of Legal and Public Administration at Seneca College for the summer 2015 term.

Keep Calm and Study On

As paralegal students begin to receive notifications from the Law Society of Upper Canada about webinars and supplementary materials to begin exam preparation for upcoming Paralegal Licensing Examinations, excitement begins to mount. The paralegal licensing exams ensure that paralegal candidates demonstrate the required entry-level competencies. Be careful when using Social Media to do your research on details of the exam!

http://paralegalscope.com/did-you-hear-the-truth-about-the-paralegal-licensing-exam/

Always Cross your T's: Clerical Errors Causing Distress to Immigrants

Immigration Canada is facing some scrutiny due to high rates of error in immigration processing. Many newcomers to Canada and would-be immigrants have been impacted unfairly and have had to put their lives on hold.

Two thirds of the files processed over one month in 2013 in Vegreville- had human errors in request letters sent to applicants, according to department review. Staff consistently failed to use correct form letters, address missing documents or provide accurate timelines to applicants.

http://www.thestar.com/news/insight/2015/05/30/immigration-canada-snafus-causing-a-lot-of-misery.html

The Vulnerability of Gray Areas in Law: Is the Carter decision assisting or impeding the disabled?

How can the law exist to be judicial, proportionate, and liberally construed without facing criticisms and often falling into gray areas?

The recent decision of the Supreme Court of Canada in Carter v Canada, respecting the prohibition of assisted suicide, was challenged as contrary to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The court dismissed the Criminal Code provisions, and this has raised questionable implications on persons with disabilities.

In light of this summer’s anticipated moot competition, it may be fruitful to attend the discussion arranged by the ARCH Disability Law Centre and the Law Society. Along with an initiating panel, the discussion will explore real concerns about the decision, and offer guidance to ensure that community members will have a voice in any potential legislative processes. The law has always protected the vulnerable, it is about time we discussed what that truly entails.

Date:
June 4, 2015
Panel Discussion - 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.*
Reception - 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
*This program is also available via simultaneous webcast

Location:
The Law Society of Upper Canada (in the Donald Lamont Learning Centre)
Osgoode Hall, 130 Queen Street West, Toronto

Program Details:

Session 1
Carter v. Canada (Attorney General) - Analysis of the Supreme Court of Canada decision – what does it mean for people with disabilities?

Session 2
Moving Forward: Community Perspectives and Safeguards.

NOTE: This program will take place in English only.

RSVP
This public event is free, but space is limited. We have a few spots remaining for in-person attendance, and a webcast option for those wishing to participate in that way. For additional information and to register, please visit: www.lawsocietygazette.ca/event/access-awareness-event-the-carter-decision/

If you have difficulty accessing this link, do not have internet access, or have a specific question about this event, please contact us at:

Telephone: 416-947-3300 ext. 3413 or 1-800-668-7380, ext. 3413
TTY: 416-644-4886
E-mail: equityevents@lsuc.on.ca

To provide the optimal level of accessibility for participants, please let us know in advance of any accommodation requirements.