Racism is an unfortunate fact of life but it becomes especially insidious in all aspects of criminal justice. We are currently witnessing in the United States of America how police brutality can manifest itself in racist environments with devastating consequences for blacks, Hispanics, and Native Americans.

While charges of uttering a threat are a common part of a criminal defence lawyer’s trial practice, many people are unaware of the legal definition of threat and often do not realize the serious consequences of making a threat.

Section 380 of the Criminal Code of Canada states that a person “…who, by deceit, falsehood or other fraudulent means, whether or not it is a false pretence within the meaning of this Act, defrauds the public or any person, whether ascertained or not, of any property, money or valuable security or any service,” is guilty of fraud.