Author Archives: Anita Szigeti

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About Anita Szigeti

• Called to the Bar (1992) • U of T Law grad (1990) • Sole practitioner (33 years) • Partner in small law firm (Hiltz Szigeti) 2002 - 2013 • Mom to two astonishing kids, Scarlett (20+) and Sebastian (20-) • (Founding) Chair of Mental Health Legal Committee for ten years (1997 to 2007) * Founding President of Law and Mental Disorder Association - LAMDA since 2017 * Founder and Secretary to Women in Canadian Criminal Defence - WiCCD - since 2022 • Counsel to clients with serious mental health issues before administrative tribunals and on appeals • Former Chair, current member of LAO’s mental health law advisory committee • Educator, lecturer, widely published author (including 5 text books on consent and capacity law, Canadian civil mental health law, the criminal law of mental disorder, a law school casebook and a massive Anthology on all things mental health and the law) • Thirty+ years’ experience as counsel to almost exclusively legally aided clients • Frequently appointed amicus curiae • Fearless advocate • Not entirely humourless

CBA National Magazine covers the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s Report on Mental Health in Criminal Justice – July 28 2026

Posted on August 15, 2026 by Anita Szigeti

Moira Donovan’s insightful article, Falling Through the Bars includes comments from Howard Sapers, Amy Matychuk and Andrea Monteiro as well as by me. Falling through the bars People experiencing mental illness and challenges are overrepresented in Canada’s criminal justice system, … Continue reading →

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Durham Regional Police Service Association Defends its officers in the Oshawa Courthouse incident involving Sudine Riley – Aug 12 2026, Toronto Star

Posted on August 12, 2026 by Anita Szigeti

In today’s Toronto Star, Jacques Gallant reports on Durham Regional Police Association’s defence of its officers involved in the Oshawa Courthouse incident and Sudine Riley. “Justice system participants — lawyers and police — are accountable for their actions. Accountability goes … Continue reading →

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Durham Region cops will not face charges over alleged assault on defence lawyer inside Oshawa courthouse

Posted on July 30, 2026 by Anita Szigeti

Criminal defence lawyer Sudine Riley alleges she was assaulted after Durham officers questioned her presence in an interview room at the Oshawa courthouse. By Jacques Gallant, July 29 2026 Full Article here https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/durham-region-cops-will-not-face-charges-over-alleged-assault-on-defence-lawyer-inside-oshawa-courthouse/article_6d24d0cd-ee08-4554-8549-b9f3b2008e2c.html Excerpts: The advocacy group Women in Canadian … Continue reading →

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A Labour of Love – beautiful new book release — June 26 2026

Posted on June 26, 2026 by Anita Szigeti

Congratulations to Neha Chugh and Anne-Marie McElroy on publishing “A Labour of Love”! This is one of the most unique and beautiful books about being a lawyer who is also a human being. It is an amazing collection of essays … Continue reading →

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The LexisNexis Szigeti Library – Five Strong and Growing – with new editions coming out shortly!

Posted on June 24, 2026 by Anita Szigeti

My five books to date available here

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High Risk Accused (HRA) Designation Removed in Manitoba – R v. Farley June 16 2026

Posted on June 19, 2026 by Anita Szigeti

CBC covers this case here: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/trevor-farley-high-risk-accused-decision-9.7235816 and earlier with links to applicable case law here: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/trevor-farley-high-risk-accused-designation-9.7212368 Winnipeg judge removes high-risk label for man found not criminally responsible in parents’ killings Family of victim who survived disappointed in decision, although Trevor … Continue reading →

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Ontarians contesting involuntary care face low likelihood of success, IJB analysis shows – Investigative Journalism

Posted on June 12, 2026 by Anita Szigeti

Investigative Journalism Bureau begins a series by Anna Mehler Paperny here:

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CUTIE PIE ARRIVES – SOUR CHERRIES FOR ALL – JUNE 2026

Posted on June 7, 2026 by Anita Szigeti

For years I have begged and this year I have received, drumroll, a sour cherry BUSH, because our yards front and back are tiny and they need full sun so we have no room for a tree. This is the … Continue reading →

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The Front Yard Spring / Summer 2026 – Sparking Joy

Posted on June 7, 2026 by Anita Szigeti
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Gender Bias and Bullying in Criminal Defence – WiCCD CPD this coming week (June 2, 2026) and related resources

Posted on May 30, 2026 by Anita Szigeti

For those interested in this vexing topic, lots of things to check out for history, insight and plans of action if not solutions per se! On my LinkedIn here https://tinyurl.com/2jdy58sv Join Women In Canadian Criminal Defence next week on June … Continue reading →

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