Phew. Yesterday, in King’s Bench, on the road.
Called an expert witness and did exam-in-chief; colleague cross-examined their expert; then legal arguments all afternoon.
Judge reserved.
For a case that started five years ago, in 2017.
Drove home in -30 C.
Tuckered out today.
[And no, Discourse, my topic is not similar to
Other than the word “court”, I guess.}
Five years seems downright fast by today’s standards. Perhaps it is different where you live.
I hope you get some well earned relaxation time in a warm house.
For us non-commonwealth types, could you explain what “the judge reserved” means? My guess is that it means the judge decided not to issue a judgment.
p.s. Now that y’all have a king, does that mean everyone who was QC is automatically now KC, or is there something else involved in changing the designation?
Yes, “the judge reserved decision” - means that she wants time to consider how to decide the case, and then issue a written decision some time down the line.
Yes, everything changed the day Her Majesty moved on; Queen’s Bench became King’s Bench, Queen’s Counsel became King’s Counsel, statutory references to “Her Majesty” are automatically read as “His Majesty”, and so on. No legislation required to make the changes, although some amendments will be needed in the long run.
ETA: “R v Smith” doesn’t change on criminal cases; “R” used to mean “Regina”; now it means “Rex”.
Thank you. Things have warmed up; only about -20 C now. And chez Pipers is warm and toasty.
The “nice” part about your case was that after 5 years and gosh knows how much work, the issue at hand was of course inconsequential. NOT!
The only thing more nerve-wracking than trying a case is trying a major case where a LOT hinges on your successful outcome.
What manner of libation shall we virtually send to you as we toast your near-certain success?
Note I only say “near-” not to hedge my bets, but because every litigator knows of cases where the presiding judge has a bout of temporary insanity when they decide against all that is right and good and legal. You can have the law and the facts on your side, present an excellent case, and still be overcome by gosh-knows-what-they-were-thinking. A vexing occupational hazard in your line of work to be sure.
Good luck & we hope to hear soon of your triumph.
Decision came out. It’s good! (For my client, at least. 
)
Judge accepted all of our arguments, at every stage of the legal analysis, including one argument that was rather innovative and not found in any of the other cases dealing with the issue.
Now we wait for an appeal.
While I drink a beer on my front porch, reading the reasons thoroughly. 
Well done, you!! A wonderful success story – thanks for sharing the outcome!!
You must feel a little bit like a Canadian Neal Katyal tonight. 
That sounds like the prefect evening. Congratulations.
Only a fellow lawyer would say so. But thanks! 
i had to google that one!
But I knew you’d get it after you did.
Good work!
Congrats indeed! Perhaps you’ll be surprised to consider that it was actually good that the judge spent quite so long considering the case.
Had she issued judgement quickly after the trail concluded your beer on the porch would have needed a heated mug to not freeze solid before you’d finished it.
And had she issued judgment a couple weeks ago you’d have needed a gas mask to sit outside in all the smoke.
So all and all, she chose an excellent week to deliver the sweet, sweet victory you so richly deserved. It’s all about savouring the beer on the porch you see. 
Congratulations on your court victory! Will toast you tonight