Importance of the Hockey Canada process beyond the acquittals
Importance of the Hockey Canada process beyond the acquittals
in Canada, the court ruling in the case of the five hockey players attracted great attention and emotions. Judge Maria Carroccia's words echoed through the courtroom when she found: "I consider the statements of E.M. to be neither credible nor reliable." The reactions in the court were just as mixed as the public opinions. Many were horrified and relieved, while they had followed the course of the case that contained many worrying details.
judgment and indictment
On Thursday, the five hockey players - Michael Mcleod, Cal Foote, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube and Alex Formenton - were acquitted of the allegations of sexual assault, according to the Associated Press news agency. These allegations were related to an incident in June 2018 in a hotel room in London, Ontario when they were part of the Canadian U20 national team.
statement by the applicant
The plaintiff e.m. During her video statement, reported that she was naked, drunk and frightened in a hotel room when four men that she hadn't invited appeared. She expressed that she was afraid of what could happen if she did not give in to her sexual demands. While she danced and drank with them in advance, she emphasized that she had mutually acceptable sex with one of the players, but not with the others.
reactions according to the judgment
The judge read her judgment and the associated evidence for over five hours. Many were eagerly waiting for the reaction of E.M., the identity of which is protected by a ban on publication. Her lawyer Karen Bellehumeur said: "She is obviously very disappointed with the judgment and assessment of her honesty and reliability." Bellehumeur referred to E.M. As a "heroine" because she was looking for debt and responsibility for herself. She also criticized the way E.M. While the cross -question was treated, and described them as insulting and disrespectful.
background of the allegations
The details of the case were discussed in Canada in both bedrooms and ice halls. The legal question that was at the center was what is considered to be consent to sexual acts. Culturally, the behavior of the young Canadian hockey players and the reactions of Hockey Canada were important.
definition of consent
According to Canadian law, consent is defined as the complainant's voluntary consent to the relevant sexual acts. Judge Carcccia believed that there was actually consent and that the behavior of E.M. while the incident was "not motivated by fear". During the process it was also discussed that E.M. In short videos recorded by McLeod, said that everything was "mutual".
reactions of the public prosecutor's office
The public prosecutor said after the judgment that they have 30 days to decide on a possible appointment. They emphasized that they aimed at a fair negotiation that is based on the evidence and the law and not on "stereotypes and assumptions". "We would like to thank E.M. for their courage to participate in this process," says Meaghan Cunningham, a prosecutor from Ontario.
earlier agreement
The Canadian broadcaster TSN had previously reported that E.M. had settled a lawsuit against hockey canada, which led to further developments. The hockey players said they were not informed about the agreement. David Humphrey, a lawyer of Michael Mcleod, described the judgment as "just" and expressed criticism of the handling of the case by hockey canada.A look into the future
The high estimation of the Canadian hockey culture may still face further challenges. Academics argue that the sports culture itself should be on the dock. These controversy show that considerable reforms are required to create a safe and respectful environment in sport. Hockey Canada has already published a progress report that lists the measures to improve security standards and training for athletes and personnel. However, the organization acknowledges that "there is still a lot of work ahead of us."
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