Legally Speaking with Michael Mulligan Michael Mulligan

Prepare to navigate the tumultuous waters of legal reform and societal justice with our  guest, Michael Mulligan from Mulligan Defence Lawyers. Our latest episode peels back the layers of Bill 21, a contentious BCNDP legislation aimed at bringing the regulator of lawyers in British Columbia under political control. Feel the electric tension as we dissect the Law Society of BC's apprehensions, the BC Conservative Party's firm stance on repeal, and the international law implications flagged by Lawyers' Rights Watch Canada. We tackle the poignant question: How will political gamesmanship shape the future of legal regulation?

Venture further as we redefine the ordinary, transforming a Surrey man's storage dilemma into a  case study on municipal bylaws. Meanwhile, we scrutinize the recent triage policy by the BC First Nations Justice Council on Gladue reports, underscoring the impact a lack of resources could have on justice for Indigenous people. Join us for a compelling journey through the intricate crossroads where law meets life.

Follow this link for a transcipt of the show and links to the cases and material discussed. 

British Columbia's legal system faces a seismic shift with Bill 21, a move that could rock the bedrock principle of lawyer independence. As the government nudges its way into the Law Society's boardroom, we're left pondering: will the scales of justice tilt in favour of those in power? This episode pulls back the curtain on the potential repercussions of such unprecedented government involvement. Joined by Michael Mulligan from Mulligan Defense Lawyers, we dissect the changes proposed to the Legal Profession Act, critique the government's objectives, and forecast the intricate dance between lawyers and lawmakers in the courtroom ballet.

The legal community stands at a crossroads as we scrutinize the trajectory of professional autonomy in the wake of Bill 21. Our conversation with Mulligan not only maps the contours of the looming battle for the soul of legal self-regulation but also spotlights the broader ramifications for our society's democratic health. This episode is a clarion call for those who hold the principles of a robust, independent judiciary dear, as we navigate the chilling prospect of a legal landscape where the voice of the advocate could be stifled by the hand that writes the law. Tune in for an in-depth exploration of the stakes at play, where the rule of law hangs in the balance.

Follow this link for a transcript of the show and links to the legislation discussed. 

Embark on a journey through Canada and New Zealand's legal intricacies with Michael Mulligan from Mulligan Defense Lawyers as we dissect how these common law cousins approach justice, representation, and the battle against drugs. You'll be captivated by our discussion highlighting the disparities in Indigenous peoples' representation in the prison systems—a pressing issue both here and in the land of the long white cloud. And if you're intrigued by the varying tactics in the war on drugs, our analysis of how New Zealand's crystal meth problems contrast with Canada's fentanyl crisis will provide you with a new perspective on a global challenge.

Let's transport you to a Kiwi courtroom, where the protocols of bail hearings and the role of police officers in lower court prosecutions might astound you. Michael Mulligan brings his legal acumen to the table, shining a light on recent cases and legislative changes that affect our lives. We'll also unearth the history and impact of British Columbia's Crown Counsel system.

Next, we delve into the Patients Property Act, revealing its implications for those with disabilities in our communities. Prepare to be enlightened as we navigate the ebbs and flows of international justice and its local impact in a conversation that promises to be as informative as it is thought-provoking.

Follow this link for a transcript of the show and links to the cases discussed.

Discover the fate of legal independence in British Columbia as Michael Mulligan from Mulligan Defence Lawyers lends his expertise to the latest legal system 'modernization' attempts. This week's episode pulls back the curtain on the government's controversial plans to revamp the Law Society of British Columbia, including a reduction in elected lawyer positions, which may lead to increased government sway over legal affairs.

The BCNDP seems intent on ignoring a warning from the Supreme Court of Canada on the essential nature of an autonomous legal profession, particularly when the rights of individuals stand against government interests, and is proposing that it be given greater control over the regulation of lawyers. The government proposal is troubling for anyone who may have a legal conflict with the government.

Also on the show, we lay bare the troubling conduct of the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) in defying a court order to pay a retired teacher her rightful compensation following a road mishap. Hear Michael's insightful breakdown of how ICBC's refusal to release $407,000, designated for the victim's future care, raises alarm bells about the insurer's integrity and the challenges faced in the pursuit of justice. With BC embracing a no-fault insurance scheme, our conversation underscores the imperative need for an unbridled judiciary to balance the scales against formidable entities like ICBC. This episode is an urgent call to stay vigilant about the mechanisms that safeguard our individual rights and the importance of a legal profession that can operate without undue influence.

Follow this link for a transcript of the show and links to the cases discussed. 

Discover the intricate dance of legality and medicine as we sit down with Barrister and Solicitor Michael Mulligan from Mulligan Defense Lawyers, dissecting a lawsuit that could transform the landscape of healthcare in British Columbia. The Society for Canadians Studying Medicine Abroad, representing future doctors trained overseas, is challenging the residency placement system they believe is unfairly blocking their path. Through an engaging discussion, we navigate the complexities of a system that currently favours domestic medical graduates and the constitutional implications that come with such a divide. This episode promises not just an exploration of the legal battlefield but a broader conversation on the urgent need for more healthcare professionals in our system.

Our conversation then shifts to a poignant and sobering case from Port Alberni, where a mother finds herself entwined in the legal system's grasp following the tragic death of her son. The nuances of a 'lesser included offence' emerge as we scrutinize how a jury's verdict can alter the course of a person's life, leaving us to ponder the fine line between manslaughter and second-degree murder. With Michael Mulligan's expert insight, we examine the shadows of jury decision-making, mandatory sentencing, and the weighty responsibilities tied to firearm ownership.

Follow this link for a transcript of the show and links to the cases discussed.   

Understand the groundbreaking shift in digital privacy through an engaging conversation with Michael Mulligan of Mulligan Defence Lawyers as we dissect a recent Supreme Court of Canada judgment. The verdict is reshaping how we perceive privacy concerning our IP addresses, which, as it turns out, are windows into our personal lives and not just innocuous identifiers. Michael walks us through the complexities of a case that has set a new standard: law enforcement agencies must now secure a warrant before obtaining IP data. This discussion is a must-hear for anyone eager to grasp the profound implications for our constitutional rights in this digital age.

Venture into the heated debate over British Columbia's approach to drug possession decriminalization with a critical eye on the Restricting Public Consumption of Illegal Substances Act. We dissect the political chess game involving the provincial government's legislation, the backlash from harm reduction advocates, and the subsequent legal scuffles that led to an interim injunction. The episode paints a vivid picture of the tug-of-war between law enforcement, public health, and community well-being, highlighting the ongoing struggle and its wider implications for drug policy in the region. Stay tuned for a detailed analysis of these pressing issues, informed by the latest legal developments and social dynamics.

Follow this link for a transcript of the show and links to the cases discussed.