The rapid advancement of technology is transforming industries worldwide, and the justice system is no exception. From artificial intelligence (AI) to internet-related legal challenges, new technologies are raising complex questions that require informed responses from the legal profession. Faculty members at Osgoode Hall Law School are helping to address these issues through research, analysis, and engagement with legal professionals.

One such faculty member is Professor François Tanguay-Renaud, known for his work in criminal law and legal theory. In recent weeks, he has been invited to speak at key events, offering his expertise on pressing legal questions arising from technological change.

AI and the Canadian Justice System

On November 7, Professor Tanguay-Renaud presented at the Court of Quebec’s annual judges’ conference in Montreal, where he spoke on the implications of artificial intelligence for the Canadian criminal justice system. His presentation covered AI’s current and potential applications in areas such as policing, judicial decision-making, evidence gathering, production, and assessment.

As AI tools become more prevalent in law enforcement and the courts, legal professionals face challenges in understanding and addressing their implications for fairness, transparency, and accountability. Professor Tanguay-Renaud’s presentation provided valuable perspectives on balancing technological innovation with the protection of individual rights.

Charter Protections and Digital Privacy

On November 15, Professor Tanguay-Renaud delivered a presentation to the Ontario defence bar at the Criminal Lawyers’ Association’s Fall Conference. His talk focused on the recent Supreme Court of Canada decision in R. v. Bykovets (2024 SCC 6), which addressed the scope of Charter protections against unreasonable search and seizure in the context of internet-related investigations.

The decision has significant implications for privacy rights and law enforcement practices in the digital era. Professor Tanguay-Renaud outlined the key aspects of the ruling and discussed its impact on cases involving online searches and seizures, providing practical insights for defence lawyers.

Osgoode’s Role in Navigating Legal Challenges

These recent engagements reflect Osgoode Hall Law School’s ongoing commitment to addressing the challenges posed by technological change in the legal field. Faculty members like Professor Tanguay-Renaud are contributing to critical discussions that help legal professionals navigate the evolving landscape of law and technology.

As technology continues to influence the justice system, Osgoode faculty remain actively involved in providing research, analysis, and guidance to support a fair and effective legal system.

“What I wish someone had told me earlier was: just do it. In retrospect it was the best time of my entire life, it put my whole life into perspective and took me out of my Osgoode bubble,” said Armon Ghaeinizadeh ’24, reflecting on his exchange experience at the University of Kent, England. His words struck a chord with the students who attended Osgoode Hall Law School’s Exchange Program Q&A session, an event aimed at first- and second-year JD students interested in studying abroad.

Held on November 13, the session began with an introduction from Dr. Carys Craig, Associate Dean of Research and Institutional Relations, who underscored the transformative potential of exchange programs. Dr. Craig highlighted how these opportunities provide fresh perspectives on law, promote cultural understanding, and help students build international networks that can shape both their personal and professional paths.

Current students and alumni shared personal stories about the impact of studying abroad. JD student Alice Sandiford, who studied at Trinity College Dublin, described the experience as “the kind of experience you don’t get when you’re [at home] – being able to go to different places while you’re studying, while you’re learning, it’s really interesting.” She added, “Ultimately the law is an academic tool, and you can choose what you want to do with it, and being on an exchange makes you realize that there are so many more opportunities out there.”

Geneviève Roots ’24, echoed similar sentiments about her time at the University of Kent, where she observed that law schools abroad often encourage a balanced lifestyle. “The amount of personal growth I experienced while exploring Europe was incredibly rewarding and something I’ll always be grateful for,” she noted, emphasizing the value of connecting with locals.

For Brandon Pierre ’24, who studied at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium, the most valuable takeaway was an expanded worldview.  “The best part about the exchange was the experience of having a legal education in another jurisdiction, and seeing how much of international law influences domestic law was really eye-opening,” he said.

“I learned that the world may all have laws, but each individual place has a unique system of laws,” shared Melissa MacDonald ’24 about her exchange at the University of Edinburgh. “The legal doctrines in Scotland may be similar to Canada, but the cases, nuances, and details of the law were slightly different. I am forever grateful for having my legal horizon expanded by going on exchange.”

Osgoode’s Exchange Program, along with its experiential education initiatives, mooting, and clinical opportunities, enriches the academic journeys of JD students by providing access to global learning experiences. For more information on Osgoode’s Exchange Program and its partner institutions, visit the website.

The Comparative Labor Law & Policy Journal (CLLPJ), the leading international journal on labour law and policy, is embarking on an exciting new chapter at Osgoode Hall Law School, beginning in Fall 2024. Renowned for its rigorous scholarship on labour and employment law, social policy, and comparative labour systems, it plays a crucial role in advancing global understanding of labour issues that impact economies, workforces, and legal systems.

With Osgoode’s longstanding commitment to legal excellence, equity, and impactful scholarship, the journal’s new home will enhance its global influence on labour issues and reinforce Osgoode’s reputation as a leader in labour and social policy. “This transition perfectly aligns with Osgoode’s mission to foster innovative, interdisciplinary research and tackle complex challenges in labour and employment law,” said Dean Trevor Farrow.

Professors Valerio De Stefano and Sara Slinn, globally respected experts in labour rights, technology, and collective bargaining, will take the helm as editors-in-chief. Their leadership marks a fresh new vision for CLLPJ, focusing on:

• Broadening the scope to include emerging issues in labour and technology, globalization, and policy innovation.
• Expanding interdisciplinary and comparative approaches to labour law scholarship.
• Encouraging contributions that address global labour challenges, inequality, collective bargaining coverage, sustainable businesses, and other topics that resonate with SDGs.

Osgoode students will play an integral role through a unique course that immerses them in academic publishing and CLLPJ’s editorial processes, offering hands-on experience that develops professional skills in analysis, editing, and legal scholarship.

Osgoode Hall Law School invites scholars, practitioners, and students to engage with CLLPJ as it advances global dialogue on pressing labour issues, supports sustainable labour practices, and shapes the future of labour law and policy. “This new era of CLLPJ at Osgoode promises to expand the journal’s reach and deepen its impact on labour law scholarship worldwide,” said Dean Farrow.

From October 23-25, 2024, the vibrant city of Toronto became a hub for justice advocates, scholars, practitioners, and policymakers who gathered at Osgoode Hall Law School‘s Osgoode Professional Development centre. The conference welcomed participants from around the globe to engage in meaningful conversations on transforming justice systems to enhance accessibility, equity, and fairness for all.

Keynote remarks from the Honourable Michael Tulloch ‘89, Chief Justice of Ontario; the Honourable Andromache Karakatsanis ’83, ’23 (LLD), Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada; and the Honourable Doug Downey, Attorney General of Ontario, set a powerful tone for the conference. Their remarks highlighted the critical importance of improving access to justice in today’s society.

This year’s program, available on the Forum’s website, offered a diverse lineup of panelists who discussed pressing issues such as the role of technology in justice delivery, systemic barriers affecting marginalized communities, and innovative strategies to make law more accessible. A key theme throughout the conference was the importance of community engagement and policy reform in achieving access to justice.

The success of this year’s Forum was made possible by the leadership of conference co-chairs Dean Trevor Farrow and Professors Suzanne Chiodo and Patricia McMahon, who brought together a dynamic group of voices dedicated to advancing the global access to justice movement.

Thank you to everyone who attended, presented, and contributed to the Forum’s impactful discussions. We look forward to continuing this vital work and building upon the insights gained over these memorable three days.

Stay tuned for details on next year’s conference, as well as recordings and materials from this year’s conference which will soon be available on the website.

Osgoode Hall Law School is proud to announce that 18 of its students have secured highly sought-after judicial clerkships at the Federal Courts and across various levels of courts in Ontario. These one-year clerkships provide an invaluable opportunity for young lawyers, particularly those interested in litigation and academia, to gain hands-on experience by assisting judges with research, drafting, and editing judgments.

Among those selected for apex or appellate courts for the 2025-26 term are Jordana Borzellino ’24 at the Supreme Court of Canada, as well as Zoe Bernicchia-Freeman ’24, Emma Workman ’24, and David Jones ’25 at the Ontario Court of Appeal. Joining the Federal Court of Appeal will be Misha Potrykus ’25 and Geoffrey Vendeville ’25.

The Tax Court of Canada clerks for the 2025-26 term include Kyle Smyth ’25, Arielle Zhivko ’24, and Mariam Bacchus ’24. Linda Manziaris ’25 will clerk at the Divisional Court of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.

Additionally, eight Osgoode students will clerk at the Federal Court for the 2025-26 term: Alex Cachon ’25, Alexandra Robbins ’24, Ariel Goldberg ’25, Bridget Allen O’Neil ’24, Hayden Cheung ’25, Kathleen Smith ’24, Sage Hartmann ’25, and Soliyana Yared ’24.

“We are tremendously proud of and inspired by all of our students who successfully obtained clerkship positions,” said Dean Trevor Farrow. “They will have an exciting opportunity to witness and impact our judicial system from the inside while continuing to develop their legal research and analytical skills. Everyone at Osgoode looks forward to their future accomplishments and continued leadership in the profession.”

Current Osgoode students and recent alumni interested in judicial clerkships, including opportunities at the Supreme Court of Canada, are encouraged to reach out to Associate Dean of Students, Amar Bhatia, or Nicola Martin in the Career Development Office for more information.

Dean Trevor Farrow was invited to participate in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) 2024 Global Roundtable on Equal Access to Justice, joining an international panel titled High-Level Dialogue on People-Centred Justice and the Rule of Law to Reinforce Democracy and Build Trust. The panel explored the role of justice in strengthening democracies and addressing global challenges such as climate change and artificial intelligence.

This year’s roundtable provided an opportunity for global leaders to exchange best practices and discuss how justice systems can become more inclusive, while supporting Sustainable Development Goal 16—peace, justice, and strong institutions. Discussions focused on improving the response of the justice sector to emerging global issues, with a special emphasis on people-centred justice strategies aimed at restoring public trust.

Dean Farrow’s contributions underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in fulfilling SDG 16’s commitment to equal access to justice for all. He highlighted that advancing justice systems can directly reinforce democracy, combat insecurity, and support societal well-being. The roundtable concluded with a shared commitment to building more responsive and inclusive justice systems, using innovative strategies to address justice problems globally.