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Michael Spratt

@mspratt.bsky.social

1.1K followers 537 following 220 posts

Partner at AGP Law; Criminal Lawyer; Podcast host; Writer; Baseball Fanatic; Jays; Political Junkie; Nerd; Will Spoil; Worldhopper

Posts Replies Media

Reposted by Michael Spratt

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

New from me: Ezra Levant’s attacks on an honourable Crown prosecutor go far beyond legitimate criticism. We should scrutinize the justice system. But smears and dog whistles undermine the good-faith debates we badly need: www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

canadianlawyermag.com

Ezra Levant’s smears of a Crown counsel are unacceptable

I often disagree with Moiz Karimjee, but I am obligated to defend him against unwarranted attacks

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

New from me: Ezra Levant’s attacks on an honourable Crown prosecutor go far beyond legitimate criticism. We should scrutinize the justice system. But smears and dog whistles undermine the good-faith debates we badly need: www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

canadianlawyermag.com

Ezra Levant’s smears of a Crown counsel are unacceptable

I often disagree with Moiz Karimjee, but I am obligated to defend him against unwarranted attacks

Reposted by Michael Spratt

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

New From Me: Ontario’s cash bail law will be found unconstitutional: but that won’t mean that Doug Ford and Doug Downey's plan failed. It will mean it worked exactly as intended www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

canadianlawyermag.com

Ontario's cash bail law is unconstitutional – and Ford knows it

The Keeping Criminals Behind Bars Act uses real human suffering to manufacture a political grievance

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

New From Me: Ontario’s cash bail law will be found unconstitutional: but that won’t mean that Doug Ford and Doug Downey's plan failed. It will mean it worked exactly as intended www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

canadianlawyermag.com

Ontario's cash bail law is unconstitutional – and Ford knows it

The Keeping Criminals Behind Bars Act uses real human suffering to manufacture a political grievance

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

And oh my. The Seattle ball park food is good. Well worth the cross country trip.

The most delicious fully loaded ballpark pretzel bites!

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Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

Ben and Meg, Thanks so much for this podcast. It has brought me so much joy. And great timing for this episode, my son and I had a great EW inspired draft of things we love about baseball last night waiting for the game to start in this gem of a ballpark.

Seattle’s T-Mobile park on a beautiful evening.

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Neil, Jeff had a diverse and varied carrier before doing the hard work of representing his community. Some say that Mayor is not an entry level position. Either way, I expect better from you. I have not decided who I am going to vote for, but this helps.

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Reposted by Michael Spratt

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

From me: Some advice for Pierre Poilievre, If someone tells you Mexico is safer than Vancouver, it doesn’t mean it is. And if you want to be a leader, you better start acting like one. www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

canadianlawyermag.com

Poilievre, your doomsday depiction of Canadian crime is wearing thin

If someone tells you Mexico is safer than Vancouver, it doesn’t mean it is

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

From me: Some advice for Pierre Poilievre, If someone tells you Mexico is safer than Vancouver, it doesn’t mean it is. And if you want to be a leader, you better start acting like one. www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

canadianlawyermag.com

Poilievre, your doomsday depiction of Canadian crime is wearing thin

If someone tells you Mexico is safer than Vancouver, it doesn’t mean it is

Reposted by Michael Spratt

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

New from me: It is time for structural justice reform. Shuffling the deck chairs in remand court ain’t gonna stop the boat from sinking: www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

canadianlawyermag.com

Reforming remand court requires structural, not superficial, changes

Ottawa’s attempt at fixing the intake process for criminal cases misses the mark

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

New from me: It is time for structural justice reform. Shuffling the deck chairs in remand court ain’t gonna stop the boat from sinking: www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

canadianlawyermag.com

Reforming remand court requires structural, not superficial, changes

Ottawa’s attempt at fixing the intake process for criminal cases misses the mark

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 23/05/2026

It certainly reads that way!

Reposted by Michael Spratt

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

From me: Courts must consider immigration consequences in sentencing. The CPC's performative outrage has serious implications for judicial discretion & fairness. It is too much to ask politicians for some grown-up honesty when it comes to Justice policy? www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

canadianlawyermag.com

Prohibiting judges from considering immigration consequences at sentencing ignores reality

Rempel Garner’s manufactured outrage could have serious implications for judicial discretion

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

From me: Courts must consider immigration consequences in sentencing. The CPC's performative outrage has serious implications for judicial discretion & fairness. It is too much to ask politicians for some grown-up honesty when it comes to Justice policy? www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

canadianlawyermag.com

Prohibiting judges from considering immigration consequences at sentencing ignores reality

Rempel Garner’s manufactured outrage could have serious implications for judicial discretion

Reposted by Michael Spratt

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

New from me: When Doug Ford refuses to disclose records, loses in court, and then moves to change the law to avoid disclosure, it raises a simple question. What is Ford trying so hard to hide? www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

canadianlawyermag.com

Hey Ford: When you use your phone for government business, it is no longer personal

The premier isn’t protecting his privacy; he’s avoiding accountability

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

New from me: When Doug Ford refuses to disclose records, loses in court, and then moves to change the law to avoid disclosure, it raises a simple question. What is Ford trying so hard to hide? www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

canadianlawyermag.com

Hey Ford: When you use your phone for government business, it is no longer personal

The premier isn’t protecting his privacy; he’s avoiding accountability

Reposted by Michael Spratt

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Danielle Smith’s referendum on judges isn’t about democracy. It’s about power. And it’s part of a troubling trend in conservative politics: misrepresenting the facts and undermining public confidence in the justice system. My latest column: www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

canadianlawyermag.com

Danielle Smith drags the judiciary deeper into her partisan mud slinging

The Alberta Premier’s referendum is a direct threat to the proper functioning of our justice system

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Danielle Smith’s referendum on judges isn’t about democracy. It’s about power. And it’s part of a troubling trend in conservative politics: misrepresenting the facts and undermining public confidence in the justice system. My latest column: www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

canadianlawyermag.com

Danielle Smith drags the judiciary deeper into her partisan mud slinging

The Alberta Premier’s referendum is a direct threat to the proper functioning of our justice system

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

"I accept responsibility for my actions,” Luloff told reporters outside the courthouse." Except he only did that after he was convicted. We should expect better from our elected officials.

Reposted by Michael Spratt

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 23/01/2026

Lying about court decisions to fuel outrage isn’t “holding the system to account.” It’s poisoning it. Why Poilievre’s false claims about my client reveal a much bigger problem with grievance politics: www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

canadianlawyermag.com

Poilievre's lies about my client illustrate a wider problem with grievance politics

Conservatives have no qualms about undermining our courts or public institutions

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 23/01/2026

Lying about court decisions to fuel outrage isn’t “holding the system to account.” It’s poisoning it. Why Poilievre’s false claims about my client reveal a much bigger problem with grievance politics: www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

canadianlawyermag.com

Poilievre's lies about my client illustrate a wider problem with grievance politics

Conservatives have no qualms about undermining our courts or public institutions

Reposted by Michael Spratt

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 12/12/2025

Ford and Downey are at it again. Another “tough on crime” bail bill that won’t reduce crime, won’t improve safety, and will violate the Constitution while punishing poverty. Their Cash bail grift is bad law and worse policy. www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

canadianlawyermag.com

Ford and Downey’s bail proposal gives freedom to the rich and cages the poor

Their soundbite-driven policy is a mask to hide their failures to ensure community safety

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 13/12/2025

Damn, that is a good line. Next time I will send you a draft before I publish!

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 12/12/2025

Ford and Downey are at it again. Another “tough on crime” bail bill that won’t reduce crime, won’t improve safety, and will violate the Constitution while punishing poverty. Their Cash bail grift is bad law and worse policy. www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

canadianlawyermag.com

Ford and Downey’s bail proposal gives freedom to the rich and cages the poor

Their soundbite-driven policy is a mask to hide their failures to ensure community safety

Reposted by Michael Spratt

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 14/11/2025

The Supreme Court applied the Charter. Politicians answered with fear mongering, Charter-bashing, and even calls for vigilante murders. These politicians care more about scoring political points and undermining the rule of law than protecting kids: www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

canadianlawyermag.com

The Supreme Court's Senneville decision rejected moral panic, so should politicians

Kinew, Poilievre and Smith distort the reality of mandatory minimums for political gain

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 14/11/2025

The Supreme Court applied the Charter. Politicians answered with fear mongering, Charter-bashing, and even calls for vigilante murders. These politicians care more about scoring political points and undermining the rule of law than protecting kids: www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

canadianlawyermag.com

The Supreme Court's Senneville decision rejected moral panic, so should politicians

Kinew, Poilievre and Smith distort the reality of mandatory minimums for political gain

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 25/10/2025

Getting ready to listen to the @bluejays.com by candle light in the middle of the Canadian wilderness. A perfect time to close the cottage!

A Blue Jays can of beer held overlooking a lake on a perfect Canadian fall day

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 18/10/2025

Bail is a hot topic with politicians, for both the liars and the cowards. There is a problem with bail, just not no the one the politicians are talking about. But I guess it is easier to fundraise on outrage and misinformation than real solutions. youtu.be/cbBPU9XOgVE?...

Reverse-onus will not solve 'real problems' with the bail system: defence lawyer | Power & Politics

YouTube video by CBC News

Reposted by Michael Spratt

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 17/10/2025

Police investigating crime is their job. Trying to control prosecutions or threaten justice system participants isn’t. My latest in Canadian Lawyer on the growing and dangerous trend of police interference in our justice system: www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

canadianlawyermag.com

Police pressure threatens the independence of our justice system

Public attacks on plea deals undermine trust and the core principles of our justice system

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 17/10/2025

Police investigating crime is their job. Trying to control prosecutions or threaten justice system participants isn’t. My latest in Canadian Lawyer on the growing and dangerous trend of police interference in our justice system: www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

canadianlawyermag.com

Police pressure threatens the independence of our justice system

Public attacks on plea deals undermine trust and the core principles of our justice system

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 26/09/2025

I don’t think entrapment means what you think it means. In the legal sense, entrapment is when a government agent induced a person to commit a crime they were not otherwise inclined to commit.

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 19/09/2025

Please help support a brave woman. Today the Court of Appeal denied Bowie bail, saying the case was "overwhelming" and calling Bowie's defence "a conspiratorial narrative, with grandiose features, that was devoid of reality." Read it: here coadecisions.ontariocourts.ca/coa/coa/en/i...)

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

We’re going to hear lots about justice reform over the next few months. Cutting through the BS, and there is lots of BS, is difficult. Today I spoke with @globalnews.ca about why the Constitution matters and why we need to pump the breaks on the tough on crime rhetoric: youtu.be/7gLuYqvXZ88

Is bail reform in Canada possible within the Constitution?

YouTube video by Global News

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 06/09/2025

Carney said those presumed legally innocent should not be in a position “where they commit a crime one day and they’re arrested and then out of jail, out on bail the next.” Dont wory Mark, in Ottawa it usually takes days for a bail hearing, so we are good. www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...

theglobeandmail.com

Carney will introduce legislation next month to tighten bail system

Prime Minister said goal is to ensure people accused of violent crimes such as gun offences, home invasions and auto thefts ‘pay the price they should’

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 06/09/2025

Thanks Dale!

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 06/09/2025

From me on self defence laws: The only thing most Canadians need protection from is politicians who think dishonest fear mongering for political gain is a form of public service: www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

canadianlawyermag.com

Castle laws won't fix what Ford and Poilievre claim is broken in self-defence rules

Heated rhetoric about charging man for stabbing home intruder ignores existing protections

Reposted by Michael Spratt

Marna Nightingale — ICE gets the skates. @marnanightingale.bsky.social · 03/09/2025

Donate if you can because FUCK THIS GUY.

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 03/09/2025

Yesterday James Bowie was sentenced to 4 years in prison. His victim, Leanne, showed remarkable courage by speaking out to warn others about this predator. Now we can help her rebuild her life with safety, dignity & hope. Please stand with her today: gofund.me/3b01402a

Donate to Help Leanne Rebuild After Unimaginable Betrayal and Trauma, organized by Michael Spratt

Leanne’s life was shattered by the very person she thought sh… Michael Spratt needs your support for Help Leanne Rebuild After Unimaginable Betrayal and Trauma

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 03/09/2025

James Bowie has been sentenced to 4 years in prison. His victim, Leanne, showed remarkable courage by speaking out. Now we can help her rebuild her life with safety, dignity & hope. Please stand with her today: gofund.me/3b01402a

Donate to Help Leanne Rebuild After Unimaginable Betrayal and Trauma, organized by Michael Spratt

Leanne’s life was shattered by the very person she thought sh… Michael Spratt needs your support for Help Leanne Rebuild After Unimaginable Betrayal and Trauma

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 02/09/2025

James Bowie has been sentenced to 4 years in prison. His victim, Leanne, showed remarkable courage by speaking out. Now we can help her rebuild her life with safety, dignity & hope. Please stand with her today: gofund.me/3b01402a

Donate to Help Leanne Rebuild After Unimaginable Betrayal and Trauma, organized by Michael Spratt

Leanne’s life was shattered by the very person she thought sh… Michael Spratt needs your support for Help Leanne Rebuild After Unimaginable Betrayal and Trauma

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 02/09/2025

James Bowie has been sentenced to 4 years in prison. His victim, Leanne, showed remarkable courage by speaking out. Now we can help her rebuild her life with safety, dignity & hope. Please stand with her today: gofund.me/3b01402a

Donate to Help Leanne Rebuild After Unimaginable Betrayal and Trauma, organized by Michael Spratt

Leanne’s life was shattered by the very person she thought sh… Michael Spratt needs your support for Help Leanne Rebuild After Unimaginable Betrayal and Trauma

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 02/09/2025

James Bowie has been sentenced to 4 years in prison. His victim, Leanne, showed remarkable courage by speaking out. Now we can help her rebuild her life with safety, dignity & hope. Please stand with her today: gofund.me/3b01402a

Donate to Help Leanne Rebuild After Unimaginable Betrayal and Trauma, organized by Michael Spratt

Leanne’s life was shattered by the very person she thought sh… Michael Spratt needs your support for Help Leanne Rebuild After Unimaginable Betrayal and Trauma

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 02/09/2025

James Bowie has been sentenced to 4 years in prison. His victim, Leanne, showed remarkable courage by speaking out. Now we can help her rebuild her life with safety, dignity & hope. Please stand with her today: gofund.me/3b01402a

Donate to Help Leanne Rebuild After Unimaginable Betrayal and Trauma, organized by Michael Spratt

Leanne’s life was shattered by the very person she thought sh… Michael Spratt needs your support for Help Leanne Rebuild After Unimaginable Betrayal and Trauma

Reposted by Michael Spratt

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 02/09/2025

Today, disgraced Ottawa lawyer James Bowie is being sentenced for harassment and threats. He wanted to kill Leanne, who exposed him. Leanne showed incredible courage by coming forward. Now it’s time to help her rebuild her life. Stand with her today: gofund.me/e6a2b8dc

Donate to Help Leanne Rebuild After Unimaginable Betrayal and Trauma, organized by Michael Spratt

Leanne’s life was shattered by the very person she thought sh… Michael Spratt needs your support for Help Leanne Rebuild After Unimaginable Betrayal and Trauma

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 02/09/2025

Today, disgraced Ottawa lawyer James Bowie is being sentenced for harassment and threats. He wanted to kill Leanne, who exposed him. Leanne showed incredible courage by coming forward. Now it’s time to help her rebuild her life. Stand with her today: gofund.me/e6a2b8dc

Donate to Help Leanne Rebuild After Unimaginable Betrayal and Trauma, organized by Michael Spratt

Leanne’s life was shattered by the very person she thought sh… Michael Spratt needs your support for Help Leanne Rebuild After Unimaginable Betrayal and Trauma

Reposted by Michael Spratt

Rachel Gilmore @rachelgilmore.bsky.social · 30/07/2025

WATCH THE REST OF THE VIDEO (with comments from @mspratt.bsky.social and @paulchamplaw.bsky.social) HERE: youtu.be/mXPU915Z4ZQ?...

Conservatives under fire as 'Freedom Convoy' support taken as attack on judicial independence

YouTube video by Rachel Gilmore

Reposted by Michael Spratt

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 27/06/2025

Hurry up and wait. That’s the unofficial motto of Ontario’s criminal courts — and it’s breaking the system. My latest for Canadian Lawyer on inefficiency, inconsistency, and how scheduling a trial can take longer than actually holding one. www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

canadianlawyermag.com

Hurry up and wait: The Ontario court's relentless commitment to inefficiency

Our criminal justice system has turned scheduling into a spectacle of wasted resources and hollow rituals

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 27/06/2025

I also needed an excused to Quote Princess Leia...

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 27/06/2025

Real justice reform is hard. But untangling the procedural mess shouldn’t be. More rules haven’t made courts more efficient — they’ve made them more absurd. We can’t wait for change. Read the piece: www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...

canadianlawyermag.com

Hurry up and wait: The Ontario court's relentless commitment to inefficiency

Our criminal justice system has turned scheduling into a spectacle of wasted resources and hollow rituals

Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 27/06/2025

Why? Because of a hyperfixation on preventing delay — with new micromanaging rules, judge-led case management, and layers of red tape that somehow make everything slower. It’s bureaucracy cosplaying as progress.

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