Networked Knowledge - Media Report

[This version of the report has been edited by Dr Robert N Moles

On 28 June 2007 CBC News reported “Baltovich author won't have to hand over notes, judge rules”

It said that the judge at the Robert Baltovich retrial has quashed a subpoena that forced a Toronto journalist to hand over research material about the case to the Crown.

Justice David Watt agreed with Derek Finkle's lawyer that an order calling on his client to hand over the materials, including interviews with Baltovich, was a "fishing expedition."

Finkle wrote "No Claim to Mercy", a book about Baltovich, in 1998. Baltovich was originally convicted of first-degree murder in the 1990 killing of his girlfriend, University of Toronto student Elizabeth Bain.

Baltovich served eight years in prison but was released on bail in 2000 amid questions about the investigation that led first to his trial, and then to his conviction.

He has since been granted a new trial, which is expected to get underway this fall.

The Crown had demanded Finkle hand over a large amount of research material, including prison memoirs given to him by Baltovich, Christmas cards from Baltovich in prison and even letters sent to a magazine in response to a story written about the case by Finkle.

Source: 28 June 2007 CBC News "Baltovich author won't have to hand over notes, judge rules"

See also

Dr Charles Smith Homepage
Canadian Issues Homepage
List of Australian, UK and USA miscarriage of justice cases
Article on Australian miscarriage of justice cases
Article on UK miscarriage of justice cases
Article on USA miscarriage of justice cases

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