court – mackaycartoons

Tuesday May 7, 2024

May 7, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday May 7, 2024

A Tawdry Ratings Stunt or a Descent into Disgrace?

March 22, 2023

As the trial of Donald J. Trump unfolds in Manhattan, it becomes increasingly clear that what began as a legal proceeding has devolved into a tawdry spectacle of ratings-chasing and denial. Trump’s relentless pursuit of attention, coupled with his flagrant disregard for the rule of law, paints a damning picture of a presidency steeped in scandal and deceit.

From the outset, Trump’s trial has resembled nothing so much as a reality TV drama, with each twist and turn carefully choreographed for maximum impact. The involvement of Stormy Daniels, a porn star at the centre of allegations of hush money payments, adds a lurid dimension to an already sordid affair. Trump’s former fixer Michael D. Cohen’s testimony only serves to underscore the depth of deception that permeated the Trump administration.

News: Trump fined $1,000 for violating gag order again and threatened with jail time

January 25, 2024

But while Trump may see the trial as an opportunity to burnish his image or rally his base, the rest of us must not lose sight of the real issues at stake. The fines and threats of jail time that Trump faces for violating the gag order are not just the consequences of a legal technicality but a reflection of a broader pattern of behaviour that seeks to undermine the very institutions that uphold the rule of law.

Trump’s repeated violations of the gag order, resulting in fines and threats of jail time, seem almost calculated to keep the spotlight firmly fixed on him. With each admonishment from the judge, Trump’s narrative of victimhood and persecution grows stronger, appealing to those who see him as a crusader against a biased legal system. To them, the fines and threats of jail time only reinforce the idea that Trump is being unfairly targeted by his political enemies.

News: Trump quickly fundraises off judge’s contempt ruling in hush money case

December 9, 2023

But to many others, Trump’s behaviour is nothing short of disgraceful. His flouting of court orders and attacks on witnesses and jurors undermine the integrity of the justice system and erode public trust in the rule of law. It’s a spectacle that not only tarnishes Trump’s own reputation but also reflects poorly on the state of civility and respect for institutions in modern society.

In the end, Trump’s trial may indeed be remembered as a ratings stunt, but it will also be remembered as a descent into disgrace for a president who placed his own interests above those of the country he swore to serve. As the trial continues to unfold, it’s essential to remember the real victims in this sordid saga: the American people, who deserve leaders who are accountable to the law and to the truth. No amount of ratings or attention-seeking can obscure the fact that Trump’s legacy will forever be tarnished by his actions, and the sooner we reckon with that reality, the better off Americans will be. (AI)

From sketch to finish, see the current way Graeme completes an editorial cartoon using an iPencil, the Procreate app, and a couple of cheats on an iPad Pro. If you’re creative, give illustration a try:

Thursday March 14, 2024

March 14, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday March 14, 2024

From Teenage Antics to Judicial Appointments: Doug Ford’s Peculiar Journey

Young Doug Ford: The Series

Premier Doug Ford’s recent admission of his intent to appoint “like-minded” judges has ignited concerns about the independence and impartiality of Ontario’s judiciary. This revelation, coupled with a satirical look back at Young Doug Ford’s teenage years, paints a surreal picture of the premier’s approach to judicial appointments.

Young Doug Ford and his buddies, Duart and Kyle, are assessing the quality of weed they sell to other youths. Surprisingly, Ford rejects the substance and defers judgment to his two friends, declaring, “You be the judge.” Fast forward several decades, and there before our eyes his penchant for cronyism, Ford has appointed Duart and Kyle to positions as judges.

This journey shines a light on the absurdity of Ford’s recent decisions to appoint individuals with close political ties to key positions within the judicial system. The Globe and Mail’s analysis revealing that over two-thirds of judges appointed since 2018 are former prosecutors adds to the surreal nature of this situation.

News: Ontario lawyers’ group calls for meeting over Ford government’s judicial appointments

February 28, 2024

A Toronto Star editorial rightfully criticizes Ford’s decision to appoint former senior staffers to the Judicial Appointments Advisory Committee, emphasizing the risk of jeopardizing the non-partisan model for judicial appointments. The editorial underscores that merit, not political alliances or teenage friendships, should be the foundation for such crucial appointments.

Ford’s justification for these appointments, echoing his teenage proclamation to “appoint like-minded individuals,” reflects a concerning trend of politicizing a vital aspect of our justice system. The Federation of Ontario Law Associations has aptly condemned these moves, characterizing Ford’s understanding of the role of an independent judiciary as “juvenile.”

Drawing parallels between Ford’s approach and the U.S. Supreme Court under the Trump administration, it becomes evident that his efforts to stack the courts with ideologically aligned judges pose a clear threat to the independence of Ontario’s judiciary. Ford appointing his teenage buddies as judges serves as a symbolic representation of the potential risks associated with his questionable approach to judicial appointments.

March 8, 2019

The peculiar journey from Young Doug Ford’s questionable teenage antics to Premier Ford’s controversial approach to judicial appointments offers a reflection on the potential consequences of mixing personal biases with matters of justice. The fictionalized rejection of suspect substances in his youth, followed by the ironic appointment of his buddies as judges, serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of letting dubious behaviours influence crucial decisions.

As we scrutinize the composition of our courts and consider the values upheld by our leaders, it becomes evident that Young Doug Ford’s past and Premier Ford’s present actions intertwine in a peculiar narrative. The call for voters to prioritize the principles of merit-based selection and the safeguarding of judicial independence remains crucial. Let us ensure that the echoes of Young Doug Ford do not reverberate in the halls of justice, preserving the integrity and fairness of our legal system for generations to come. (AI)

Tuesday October 3, 2023

October 3, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday October 3, 2023

Donald Trump’s Legal Battles: A Timeline as He Eyes 2024

July 19, 2023

In the realm of American politics, few figures have been as polarizing as former President Donald Trump. As he campaigns to take the White House in the 2024 presidential election, Trump is facing a series of legal challenges that could significantly impact his political future. These legal battles span a range of issues, from allegations of business fraud to charges related to the tumultuous aftermath of the 2020 election. Here, we chronicle these legal entanglements in a clockwork fashion.

Business Fraud in New York (Civil)

Click for Animated version!

In the heart of Manhattan, a courtroom showdown between Trump and New York Attorney General Letitia James is currently underway. The lawsuit, filed by James, alleges widespread fraud in Trump’s financial dealings, accusing him, his adult children, and the Trump Organization of misrepresenting financial information to deceive banks and lenders. The sought-after damages amount to a staggering $250 million. The trial, which commenced on October 2, 2023, marks a pivotal moment in Trump’s legal battles.

Video: Trump and New York AG sit just feet apart in courtroom. See the moment

E. Jean Carroll (Civil)

December 21, 2022

E. Jean Carroll’s accusations of sexual assault against Trump led to a defamation lawsuit. In a landmark verdict, a jury found Trump liable for battery and defamation in May 2023, awarding Carroll $5 million in damages. Represented by attorney Roberta Kaplan, Carroll’s legal pursuit continues with a second defamation trial scheduled to commence on January 15, 2024. This trial allows Carroll to amend her initial defamation lawsuit, addressing claims made by Trump during a CNN town hall.

Stormy Daniels Hush Money (Criminal)

March 22, 2023

The saga surrounding hush money payments to Stormy Daniels during Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign has resulted in criminal charges. Trump is facing 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first degree, related to how the payments to Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer, were recorded by the Trump Organization. Scheduled for March 25, 2024, this criminal trial has the potential to unearth crucial details surrounding the payments and their alleged cover-up.

Election Tampering in Georgia (Criminal)

In Fulton County, Georgia, a grand jury indictment rocked Trump’s inner circle, including Rudy Giuliani, with charges under the state’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. The indictment, issued on August 14, 2023, followed a two-year investigation led by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis into allegations of election interference. The charges extend beyond RICO violations, encompassing allegations such as forgery and criminal attempt to commit influencing witnesses. A trial date is expected to be determined in the coming weeks.

News: Donald Trump Gets McDonald’s Delivered To Court During Civil Fraud Trial

Classified Documents at Mar-a-Lago (Criminal)

Wednesday August 10, 2022

A year after the FBI recovered numerous classified documents from Mar-a-Lago, Trump faced the unprecedented situation of being indicted as a former president. The indictment, consisting of 37 counts, includes charges of willful retention of national defense information and conspiracy to obstruct justice. The trial, scheduled for May 20, 2024, promises to shed light on the circumstances surrounding these classified documents and their implications.

January 6 and the 2020 Election Aftermath (Criminal)

July 23, 2022

Arguably the most significant case brought against Trump, his indictment on August 1, 2023, centers on his efforts to overturn the 2020 election, which culminated in the Capitol attack. This federal criminal case, handled by DOJ special counsel Jack Smith, is set to commence on March 4, 2024. The trial’s timing is notable, as it falls just one day before Super Tuesday, a crucial juncture in the presidential election calendar.

These legal challenges represent a complex and multifaceted backdrop to Donald Trump’s potential bid for the presidency in 2024. As the legal proceedings unfold, they hold the power to shape the political landscape, influence public opinion, and ultimately determine the viability of a Trump return to the White House. The confluence of law and politics in these cases makes them not only significant legal battles but also key factors in the upcoming presidential race. (AI)

Tuesday November 2, 2021

November 2, 2021 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday November 2, 2021

Justin Trudeau just rolled the dice on reconciliation

June 2, 2021

Justin Trudeau has made a dangerous bet he can right a long-standing wrong against Indigenous children without instead setting back the cause of reconciliation for years. Canadians can only hope he wins this wager.

On Friday, his government bitterly disappointed people across the country when it launched a last-minute court appeal against a ruling requiring it to pay billions of dollars to Indigenous youngsters who were discriminated against in the child welfare system.

The PM and his Liberals don’t deny responsibility for this wrongdoing. Nor do they reject their obligation to come through with significant compensation. Even so, they ignored the pleadings of Indigenous groups as well as the opposition Conservatives and New Democrats by appealing orders from both the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal and the Federal Court to pay up.

June 1, 2021

If that had been the extent of this government’s action last week, it would deserve the universal condemnation of Canadians today. But the government’s response was more complex and nuanced. And herein lies the nub of the prime minister’s risky gamble.

On Monday, his government began negotiating with the Assembly of First Nations and the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society to settle the dispute out of court — by the start of December, no less. Until then, it has put on hold its appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada. That means if the talks result in a mutually agreeable deal, there will be no appeal and everyone can go home happy.

In addition to this, the government will not appeal a second Canadian Human Rights Tribunal order that would result in Indigenous children receiving access to government services without delays caused by jurisdictional disputes.

February 29, 2020

There is cause for guarded optimism but, even more, deep concern in what the government has done. In rejecting the most direct route to a just settlement, it has opted for a winding, rock-strewn path that may take it over a cliff. It’s hard not to agree with Indigenous leaders who point out that this battle for compensation began 14 years ago and the Trudeau Liberals have had ample time to work out a fair settlement.

But they didn’t. And in 2019, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal declared the government had “wilfully and recklessly” discriminated against First Nations children living on reserves by underfunding child and family services. As a result, children were taken from their communities and put into government-run programs.

July 13, 2017

Because of the undisputed harm this caused, the tribunal ordered Ottawa to pay $40,000 each to as many as 54,000 Indigenous children who were removed from their homes after 2006, as well as their relatives. The Federal Court upheld this decision on Sept. 29.

The government insists the Federal Court erred when it concluded the tribunal had acted reasonably in ordering compensation for First Nations parents and grandparents as well as children. In so doing, the government might argue it’s trying to defend the best interests of taxpayers as well as those of the Indigenous people being compensated.

January 15, 2014

But Trudeau is walking a fine line. He has long proclaimed there is no more important relationship for his government than the one it has with Indigenous peoples. If he is seen as merely trying to save money in this case, he’ll further alienate Indigenous people while doing a disservice to all Canadians. And if his government can’t secure a deal this month, it will only make things worse by dragging things out with a Supreme Court appeal.

What comes next can’t be brinkmanship designed to force a settlement. Canadians have to see good-faith, productive negotiations. For this country’s sake, the government’s goal can’t be the cheapest deal but rather the one that’s fairest for every Indigenous victim. (Hamilton Spectator Editorial)

Friday June 11, 2021

June 18, 2021 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday June 11, 2021

The Canadian Charter’s notwithstanding clause is increasingly indefensible

It isn’t happening in Quebec, but in Ontario, so there will be more of a fuss than would otherwise be the case.

September 14, 2018

But there will be less of a fuss than the last time the Doug Ford government threatened to use the notwithstanding clause to override constitutionally guaranteed rights. The next time it happens, there will be less still. And there will be a next time, and a next time after that, and another, and another – precisely because the political costs of doing so diminish with each use.

This is how the clause is being normalized. This is how, in consequence, the Charter of Rights is being eviscerated. It is already more or less a dead letter in Quebec, where the override has been invoked over the years by governments of every party. Once upon a time it might have caused something of a stir, at least outside the province, as when Robert Bourassa used it to uphold the ban on English-language signs in 1988.

September 21, 2019

But having paid no discernible price for invoking the clause to protect Bill 21, legislation that effectively bars the hiring of religious minorities across much of the public service, Quebec’s CAQ government was quick to do the same with regard to Bill 96, its new and harsher language law. A rights “guarantee” that cannot protect minorities from overt harassment and discrimination – a guarantee that applies only as when the government of the day decides it should – is not much of a guarantee at all.

July 28, 2018

And now it is happening elsewhere. Mr. Ford’s first attempt to use the clause, over a 2018 bill that would have cut the size of Toronto city council in half – in the middle of a municipal election – may have collapsed in confusion, but now the Premier is back for another try. This time the casus belli is Bill 254, legislation passed earlier this year that would, among other things, double the length of time before an election campaign during which third-party advocacy groups would be subject to spending limits.

As before, the Premier has supposedly been provoked to action by a judge’s ruling, overturning the legislation on Charter grounds. But as before this is not really the issue. The government could have appealed either ruling to a higher court, and even had it lost there, it could have rewritten either bill in ways that addressed its purported intent, without unduly limiting Charter rights. (Globe & Mail)