EP#224 | He Never Touched Her… So Why Was It Sexual Assault?

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Can a person be convicted of sexual assault without any sexual intent? In Episode 224 of *Not On Record*, criminal defence lawyer Joseph Neuberger and Diana Davison examine the Alberta Court of Appeal’s decision in **R. v. Roan, 2026 ABCA 260**, exploring how Canadian law defines sexual assault through the protection of a person’s sexual integrity rather than sexual motive. They also discuss the Ontario Court of Appeal’s decision in **R. v. SSD, 2026 ONCA 579**, and its application of the Supreme Court of Canada’s decision in **R. v. Berg**, reinforcing the importance of the reasonable doubt standard, the proper application of **W.(D.)**, and why judges must provide clear, consistent reasons for conviction. This episode examines two significant appellate decisions that highlight fundamental principles of Canadian criminal law and the safeguards that protect the integrity of the justice system.