A scheduled replay of a past program, with the ability to submit questions.
Sexual Assault Cases in the Criminal Court
Program Chairs
Meaghan Cunningham
Counsel, Crown Law Office - Criminal Chair, Sexual Violence Advisory Group
Megan Schwartzentruber
Partner, Cooper Sandler Shime & Schwarzentruber LLP
Keep current on recent changes in sexual assault law and get the practical tools you need to investigate, navigate, prosecute or defend cases ethically and effectively and determine when to pursue non-criminal court options.
Optimum outcomes in sexual offence criminal cases are contingent on up-to-date education and solid knowledge of best practices.
An allegation of sexual assault raises unique challenges for lawyers, investigators, judges and survivors.
Join a faculty of top-level lawyers and judges to learn the latest in the law and effective approaches.
Sexual assault cases are difficult for all parties involved. The complainant must undergo emotional and sometimes lengthy cross-examination. The accused faces the stigma of a sexual assault conviction as well as the prospect of a lengthy jail sentence, collection of DNA and compliance with the sex offence registry. Often there is no corroboration and much public scrutiny.
A widely respected faculty will offer guidance on key challenges and optimal approaches. Including new international initiatives This conference will be a forum for robust discussion and an opportunity to ask your questions and make your comments.
Can’t Make the Date? Registration includes 120-day unlimited, online access to the recorded program.
What You’ll Learn
New restorative justice approaches
Current case law
Considering options for survivors: criminal justice system or alternatives?
Cross-examination under the microscope
New international approaches for pre-trial hearings
Consent, capacity and memory issues
Credibility assessments
Distinguishing myth from common sense
Understanding the impacts of trauma
Current state of accountability
Sentencing trends
How the Independent Legal Assistance program works
Consequences of criminal findings of guilt including on family and immigration proceedings
Who Should Attend
Criminal lawyers, defence and Crowns (Federal and provincial)
Police sex crimes investigators and trainers
Law enforcement and medical regulatory investigators (SIU, College of Physicians & Surgeons)
Sexual assault victim support workers (medical and social service sectors)
Judges
Civil litigators specializing in sexual assault based civil lawsuits both plaintiff and defence
Family law and Immigration lawyers Paralegals
Faculty
Program Chairs
Meaghan Cunningham
Counsel, Crown Law Office – Criminal Chair, Sexual Violence Advisory Group
Megan Schwartzentruber
Partner, Cooper Sandler Shime & Schwarzentruber LLP
Keynote Speakers
Benjamin Roebuck
Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime
Hoori Hamboyan
Senior Advisor, Office of the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime
“Rethinking Justice for Survivors of Sexual Violence: A Systemic Investigation”
Criminal Defence Lawyer
“This program was a topical, timely, thought- provoking program put on by a first-class faculty. One of the very best CLE programs I have attended in my 28 years practicing criminal law. ”
Agenda
9:00 a.m. Welcome and Land Acknowledgement from Osgoode
Program Introduction by the Chairs
9:10 a.m. Considering the Options for Survivors: Criminal Justice System or Alternatives?
Benefits and limitations of the criminal justice system
Informed options and first steps for survivors
Independent legal advice
10:30 a.m. Refreshment Break
10:45 a.m. New Ideas from Abroad: Pre-Hearing Ground Rules
11:15 a.m. Cross-Examination Under the Microscope
Tactical considerations: What matters and what doesn’t
Confrontation in the courtroom
When does cross-examination get to the truth? Strategic considerations in cross – examining and objecting
Ethical and professional responsibility: issues and requirements
12:15 p.m. Break
1:00 p.m. Keynote Address
“Rethinking Justice for Survivors of Sexual Violence: A Systemic Investigation”
Benjamin Roebuck, Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime
Hoori Hamboyan, Senior Advisor, Office of the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime
1:30 p.m. Consent and Capacity
Case law update
How to frame the argument
Tips for dealing with memory issues
2:15 p.m. Break
2:30 p.m. Credibility Assessment
Distinguishing myth from common sense
When do inconsistencies matter?
Mental health issues, when are they relevant
Distinguishing credibility from reliability
3:15 p.m. Consequences: Impact of Sentencing on Accused
Racialized accused and consequences of a conviction
Relevant sentencing submissions impacting other proceedings
The Restorative Justice process
Ancillary Orders
Christopher’s Law
Family and Immigration law implications of sentencing in the criminal case context
Newly licensed regulated professionals within the past 2 years receive 50% off the regular program fee.
Time
Sep 10, 2026 9:00 a.m – 4:30 p.m (ET)
Payment Deadlines
Payment is required in full up to 21 days prior to the start of the program, or immediately upon purchase if less than 21 days.
Substitution and Cancellation
Substitution of registrants is permitted at any time prior to the start date of the program. If you are unable to find a substitute, a full refund is available if a cancellation request is received in writing 14 days prior to the start of the program. If a cancellation request is made with less than 14 but more than 3 days’ notice, an administrative fee equal to 20% of the program cost, to a maximum of $250 will apply per person. No refund will be issued for cancellations received within 3 days of the program start date. Payment is required to receive access to the program.
We will make every effort to present the program as advertised, but it may be necessary to change the date, location, speakers or content with little or no notice. In the event of program cancellation, York University’s and Osgoode Hall Law School’s liability is limited to reimbursement of paid fees.
As law evolves, we know how important it is to stay up to date. We also understand the financial implications of continuously upgrading your professional skills and knowledge. For more information on available options, including Job Grants, OSAP, please visit:
OsgoodePD is an accredited provider with the LSO, the Law Society of BC and NY CLE Board. Select your location to view the eligible hours you may claim.
Watch a recording of a past program on your own schedule.
1 Day – On Demand
You may also be interested in…
Deeper Learning Opportunities
LLMs
Are you a law graduate or an executive/senior professional with at least 5 years of specialized experience? Consider a full-time or part-time LLM degree.
Criminal Law and Procedure
Application Open
Students typically complete the LLM in two years (6 terms).
Stay competitive with deep dives into the most critical issues in law. Taught by leading experts and designed for flexible learning, choose from multi-day programs or take courses at your own pace to build towards a certificate.
Do you have an LLB/JD? Consider taking a single LLM course for deeper learning in a specific area of practice – all credits will apply towards a Professional LLM.
Unfortunately, no. Effective for all 2019 filings and subsequent years moving forward, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has replaced T2202A’s with the T2202. Under the new CRA definition and criteria, our CLE short courses and certificate programs do not meet the definition of ‘qualifying educational program’. For this reason, we are unable to issue you a T2202. For more information, please visit the CRA site.
Once a program reaches capacity, a waitlist will be created. This does not guarantee your registration in the program; however, it places you on a priority contact list. If any spots become available, you may be notified by email or phone to confirm if you would like to proceed with the registration. Once contacted, you will typically be given 24 hours to confirm your interest. If you do not confirm interest within the provided timeframe, you will be removed from the waitlist and the next person will be contacted.
Many of our programs include 120-day unlimited, online access to view the recorded program. See the program page or brochure to find out if the program you’re interested in includes this access. If you need more time to view the content, or have questions about the access, please email: OPDSupport@osgoode.yorku.ca.
If the program includes access to the recording, you will have unlimited online access to the recorded content for 120-days from the end date of the program.
Access is only for the registered delegate. In the event of misuse, access can be revoked.
CPD hours for each program can be found on the program web page and program brochure. For questions regarding CPD hours, please email cpd@osgoode.yorku.ca
A limited amount of financial assistance is available for OsgoodePD Programs unless specific bursary information appears on the program page/program brochure. Head to our Financial Assistance page for more information.
Please reach out to the OPD Technical Support here.
Yes. We do offer group rates on our programs. Please visit our group rate page for more information. Some exceptions apply, and rates are subject to change.
In Person: Attendance for the program will take place at Osgoode Professional Development (1 Dundas Street West, Suite 2602, Toronto, ON M5G 1Z3) unless otherwise specified. Program Materials will be printed and available for pick up upon arrival.
Live Webcast: Designed for busy schedules, attend an online, live webcast using state-of-the-art video-conferencing. Attendance is via live stream with an opportunity to submit questions to the speakers throughout the program. Registration includes downloadable Program Materials and 120-day access to the program archive.
Online Replay: Watch a pre-recorded webcast, which includes a live Q&A with an instructor. Registration includes 120-day access to the program archive.
Program on Demand: Watch a pre-recorded session online, from the comfort of your home or office. Get unlimited access with our online subscription. Registration includes downloadable Program Materials and 120-day access to the program archive.
Unless a program is sold out or otherwise noted, registration closes at 12:00PM (noon) ET the business day before the scheduled program date.
Registration for webinars closes at 10:00 AM ET the morning of the session, unless sold out.
Client and Technical Support
Have questions? Get advice in person, by email or over the phone.
