Beaudry & Stillman cases to be argued at SCC

Tomorrow the Supreme Court of Canada will hear argument in the Beaudry and Stillman cases. At issue is whether courts-martial for civilian offenses that would otherwise be tried to a jury violate the Charter right to trial by jury.

Preston Lim has this curtain-raiser on Just Security. His bottom line:

A separate military justice system has an important role to play in keeping the Canadian Armed Forces an agile and responsive organization. But just as the Canadian military will need to continually adapt to 21st century standards, so too will Canada’s military justice system. An affirmation by the Supreme Court of the Appeal Court’s holding will not weaken, but rather strengthen, Canada’s military.