Supreme Court Ruled “Intoxication a Valid Defence” for Violent Crime & Sexual Assault

On May 13, 2022, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that defendants accused of violent crime including sexual assault can use extreme intoxication as a defence.

Read the article below:

Canada’s Supreme Court says extreme intoxication a valid defence in murders, sex assaults

Important to note:  While this may allow an intoxicated person to escape potential criminal liability, the test for civil liability in assault and battery (or negligence) would be different and intoxication would not allow the wrongdoer to avoid paying civil damages.

If you or someone you care about has been assaulted reach out to Hanson and Co Lawyers.