Environmental brief ~ Indonesia to proceed with charges against Newmont execs
In Tuesday's environmental law news, prosecutors in Indonesia announced they have decided to go ahead with charges against 6 executives of the Newmont Mining Corporation for allegedly contamininating the Buyat Bay. The prosecutors are awaiting a final dossier from...
The Quebec Court of Appeal Tuesday began hearing an appeal challenging the constitutionality of Canada's 1997 Tobacco Act. Lawyers for Canada's three largest tobacco companies told the court that the law, which bans tobacco sponsorship, restricts advertising and requires...
Hislop et al. v. Attorney General of Canada, Court of Appeal for Ontario, November 26, 2004 . Read the full text of the ruling here ....
The Ontario Court of Appeal ruled Friday that same-sex partners are entitled to survivor benefits under the government-run Canada Pension Plan. The court held that benefits should be paid dating back to 1985, but there will be no payments...
Irish justice minister proposes civil partnerships for same-sex couples
Following a statement last week by Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahearn that same-sex couples deserved "better rights" (reported here in JURIST's Paper Chase), Irish Justice Minister Michael McDowell said Saturday that Ireland should pursue civil partnerships for unwed couples,...
Environmental brief ~ Forest Service approves plan for Sierra Nevada mountains
In Friday's environmental law news, USDA Forest Service chief Dale Bosworth has affirmed the Sierra Nevada Forest Plan Amendment (SNFPA), a plan that regulates the 11 national forests that run along the Sierra Nevada mountains in California and Nevada....
Canadian Supreme Court rules funding for autism treatment discretional
The Supreme Court of Canada Friday ruled that government of British Columbia may decide whether to provide funding for the treatment of autistic children, overturning two lower court rulings that the funding was required. Parents of autistic children had...
Canadian high court rules government must consult with natives before developing claimed land
The Supreme Court of Canada ruled unanimously Thursday that governments must consult with the Assembly of First Nations before developing land that aboriginal groups claim to own, but that governments need not receive consent before using land. The Court...
Corporations & securities brief ~ Oracle, PeopleSoft fight for outstanding shares
In Tuesday's corporations and securities law news, Oracle's hostile bid for PeopleSoft Inc. has not been defeated as top shareholders in PeopleSoft are split on whether to accept the bid. Capital Guardian Trust Co. will tender its 10% stake...
Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern has said that Ireland should give greater rights to same-sex couples. Ahern's comments come in response to a suit brought by a lesbian couple married in Canada seeking Irish recognition of their marriage. Last...
