| On June 3, the Ontario Court of Appeal released its decision in the cases of R. v. Sullivan and R. v. Chan, repealing Section 33.1 of the Criminal Code which “prevents the use of voluntary self-induced extreme intoxication as a defence to violent general intent offences, including sexual assault.” Canadians seem pretty unanimous in their rejection of this decision: A petition that began circulating on Thursday garnered nearly 50,000 signatures. And this mobilization is certainly responsible for the fact that Ontario since decided to appeal its decision. Whether the appeal does anything is yet to be seen, but it's important we keep talking. Here's everything you need to know about this controversial decision. |
