Canada’s National Firearms Association intervenes at the Supreme Court

 On Friday, November 7, Canada’s National Firearms Association intervened at the Supreme Court of Canada, in the twin appeals of R. v. Nur and R. v. Charles.

In this case, the Supreme Court will decide the constitutionality of the three year mandatory minimum sentence for handgun possession.

The NFA argued that this sentence should be struck down because it captures a wide range of conduct, including mere regulatory or “paperwork” crimes.

As the NFA explained to the Supreme Court in its written materials, gun owners with expired licences or those who misunderstand that terms of their authorizations could be subject to a three year mandatory minimum sentence. This, the NFA argued, would shock the conscience of the community and constitute cruel and unusual punishment within the meaning of section 12 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The NFA was represented at the hearing by Solomon Friedman, criminal defence lawyer and firearms law expert.

Following the hearing of the appeal, the Supreme Court reserved judgement. A decision is expected sometime in early 2015.

Canada’s National Firearms Association is this country’s largest and most effective advocacy organization representing the interests of firearms owners and users.

 

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For more information contact:

Solomon Friedman, (EDELSON CLIFFORD D’ANGELO FRIEDMAN LLP)   613-237-2290
Blair Hagen, Executive VP Communications, 604-753-8682 [email]Blair@nfa.ca[/email]
Sheldon Clare, President, 250-981-1841 [email]Sheldon@nfa.ca[/email]
Shawn Bevins, Executive VP, 819-313-2887 [email]shawn@nfa.ca[/email] (français)
Canada’s NFA toll-free number – 1-877-818-0393
NFA Website: www.nfa.ca