Canada's Supreme Court says extreme intoxication is an excuse for violent crimes

 Canada's Supreme Court says extreme intoxication is an excuse for violent crimes 

  Summary

      Canada's Supreme Court issued a major decision saying that extreme intoxication can be used as an excuse for very violent crimes including assault and sexual assault. This means that if someone drinks or consumes a lot of substances at once and then commits a violent act, they can use their extreme intoxication as a dismissal of their actions. However legally, "under Section 33.1 of the Criminal Code, extreme intoxication — formally known as non-insane automatism — cannot be used as a defence in criminal cases where the accused voluntarily ingested the intoxicating substance."  Many people express their concerns about this decision being finalized as it puts women in our society at extreme risks. Many women support this claim because many have come forward and said that since this has come into existence, they feel very unsafe. “Protecting the victims of violent crime — particularly in light of the equality and dignity interests of women and children who are vulnerable to intoxicated sexual and domestic violence — is a pressing and substantial social purpose.” - Kasirer The court system following this decision are trying to determine the line between intoxicated and "extremely intoxicated." Which follows the decision of where the court system draws the line for sexual assault and where it can be "excused" because of this law.

My opinion 

    Personally I think this new law is not only in a complete violation of women's rights, but as a women it is also completely and utterly terrifying. If you are a rapist drunk, you are a rapist. This new law puts women at a extreme risk and completely invalidates certain women who's assaulter was drunk when he committed the offence. This was such a disappointing thing to hear, I am truly so devastated. Many people that I've had conversation with about this topic claim that this law is more meant for people with major addiction issues who are truly and honestly not in their right mind when they commit a violent act like assault. I do believe that to be true, however, I do think this new law still gives an opportunity and loophole for some other individuals who commit a violent act like assault a loophole for a lesser punishment. I do see both sides, but especially as a women living in Canada this law upsets me deeply and I can't help but feel a little bit unsafe now, in my own country. 

Title of article: 

Canada's top court says voluntary extreme intoxication a defence in violent crimes 

Date of article: 

May 13th, 2022 

Page number: 

Page 1  

Author of article: 

Amanda Connolly 

Link: 

https://globalnews.ca/news/8832723/supreme-court-canada-extreme-intoxication/