R v M (1996)
In one of Calgary’s most tragic highway accidents of 1992 one person was killed and another seriously injured when a stolen trailer fell off a half-ton truck and careened across the median of a busy freeway. The truck was driven by J and M was the owner. M testified at J’s trial that his truck was stolen. But J’s partner testified that J told him he had borrowed M’s truck. In convicting J of dangerous driving causing death the trial judge said M was a liar. The police then charged M with perjury and obstruction of justice. M hired Mr Rice. The case went to trial before a judge a jury in 1996. Mr Rice brought an unusual motion for a directed verdict at the close of the Crown’s case. The trial judge granted the motion and the jury returned verdicts of not guilty on all charges.