Ghomeshi on Trial: Christie Blatchford Headlines Sexual Assault Panel at U of T

MEDIA ADVISORY – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ghomeshi on Trial: Christie Blatchford Headlines Sexual Assault Panel at U of T

TORONTO, ONTARIO — (March 24, 2016) In response to the highly anticipated verdict in the Jian Ghomeshi sexual assault case, the University of Toronto Men’s Issues Awareness Society is hosting Ghomeshi on Trial at the University of Toronto on Friday, April 8th at 7:00PM EST. The event is sponsored by the Canadian Association for Equality, an educational charitable organization.

The panel discussion will feature National Post columnist Christie Blatchford, Globe and Mail commentator David Butt and defence lawyer Richard Litkowski. The event will be moderated by media personality and litigation lawyer Lorne Honickman.

“We must find a way to balance protecting society from sexual assault with the legal rights of the criminally accused,” said Edward Sullivan, CCMF Research Director.

“It’s time for a serious and respectful discussion about the many issues raised by criminal sexual assault cases in Canada,” said Sullivan. “Should defendants be more easily convicted in the hopes of encouraging more complainants to come forward? Should plaintiffs enjoy immunity from credibility examination?”

The trial of Jian Ghomeshi has brought forward critical questions which must be confronted directly. Though pervasive in criminal law, these issues are uniquely prominent in sexual assault cases, which often hinge on the testimony of the complainant.

WHEN: Friday, April 8th at 7:00 PM EST
WHERE: J.J.R. Macleod Auditorium, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King’s College Circle, University of Toronto

To arrange interviews, please contact:

Justin Trottier
Executive Director
Canadian Centre for Men and Families
416-402-8856
jtrottier@menandfamilies.org

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