Law Times

Law Times • November 18, 2013 Page 5 NEWS Christopher Skinner case Lawyer confident in justice system as charges laid in son's murder BY YAMRI TADDESE Law Times F ollowing an arrest in the murder of his son, defence lawyer Warren Skinner says he hasn't budged from his belief that an accused person is innocent until proven guilty. Police announced on Nov. 7 they had arrested a suspect in Christopher Skinner's death. The 27-year-old died four years ago after an SUV ran him over near Adelaide and Victoria streets in Toronto where he stood hailing a cab. Police believe the victim may have brushed the SUV with his arm before he was beaten and intentionally run over by the vehicle. He died in hospital shortly after the incident. Police now allege Agustin Caruso, 23, was behind the wheel that night. He's facing second-degree murder charges. When police recently made arrangements to visit the family home, they knew "something was up," according to Skinner. "We expected the news to be what it was because that's the first that time they made arrangements to come to our house since they were at our house when Christopher died. So we knew something was up," says Skinner a lawyer in Newmarket, Ont. "We were happy about the informa- presumption of innocence and the right to a fair hearing. "In all fairness, I'm trying to be the guy that I am and I was trained to be," he says. "Guy Paul Morin was not guilty and he spent a long time in jail. So the question is not whether the system will work because it will work [even] if he's not found guilty. Guy Paul Morin was not guilty and he spent a long time in jail. So the question is not whether the system will work because it will work [even] if he's not found guilty. It doesn't mean it didn't work. tion," he adds. "It's not that we jumped up and down and hit the ceiling. You know, it was just a sense of some relief and some happiness. But it wasn't like, 'Oh, let's have a party.'" Even in light of the difficult ordeal, Skinner says he hasn't waivered from the principle that accused people deserve the WHY It doesn't mean it didn't work." After more than 25 years of law practice, Skinner says he's confident the justice system will do what's right but he takes offence to the suggestion he wants the court to find Caruso guilty. "It's not about whether the system will do justice; it's about whether it will do jus- tice if it has the right guy," he says. "There has to be some fairness for people [accused of a crime]. I think we've got a decent case, but you never know. Just because somebody is arrested, it doesn't mean it's the right guy. I mean, I hope it is, but boy oh boy, I think to make that conclusion is wrong. I think it's unfair to him and our concept of how the system works." He adds: "I'm confident that the system will work the way it's supposed to work." Losing a son to a criminal act hasn't had an impact on the way he views his role as a defence lawyer, Skinner notes. "I get hired by somebody to do defence work. I got to do my work," he says. In fact, just three months after his son died, he acted in a serious sexual assault case. "You know, it was tough, but [I] still did the job and the matter ended up being withdrawn because the evidence was so bad." LT Growing up in Serbia as a gay man, I enjoyed an endless buffet of bullying and social ostracism, served fresh by my peers and applauded by the law enforcement and the courts. I learned early in life that the most dangerous violence comes, not from the fists of the bullies and the bigots, but from the pens and mouths of the legislatures and the silence of the judges. The practice of law has created a unique role for me, from which I can remain watchful and safeguard the rights and the lives of all Canadians. Although commitment to equality is a beating heart of our democracy, it is vulnerable to the whims of the many and the privileges of the few. My experience as a psychotherapist pushed me further towards the practice of law and set my brand of "lawyering" apart from the litigation paradigm. I've always wanted my clients to experience family and immigration law as caring professions. I wanted to provide more than legal advice – an emotional refuge and a path for my clients to live their lives the way that they want. In return, they have challenged me with legal problems that continue to be different, interesting, and intellectually stimulating. It is highly unlikely that I would have found the same level of personal satisfaction pursuing any other career. WENT TO LAW SCHOOL To know a lawyer is to know someone passionate about solving the problems of the day. Ivan Steele, Ivan Steele Law Office, is one of the 18,000 member lawyers of the Ontario Bar Association. Learn how the OBA advocates for this unique profession, and share your story at www.whyIwenttolawschool.ca. Untitled-1 1 www.lawtimesnews.com 13-11-12 9:11 AM

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