Beneath the Law
If “No One is Above the Law,” then everyone is beneath it. Beneath the Law is a frank discussion between two lawyers who have lived and breathed the legal system in Canada for over 30 years.
In this podcast hosts Stephen Thiele and Gavin Tighe of Gardiner Roberts, examine the arguments made in some highly contentious, and public cases, with a focus on the intersection between law and politics and where courtrooms become part of the political arena. In each episode Beneath the Law digs into interesting and current legal topics or legal battles and provides insight and commentary on the law and its application in our society.
Law is at its core the expression of the fundamental framework of any organized society – it is the fine print of the social contract. Courts play a fundamental role in any democracy, getting underneath the surface and beneath the law requires an understanding of not only what courts are doing but why.
- Update frequency
- every 4 days
- Average duration
- 31 minutes
- Episodes
- 51
- Years Active
- 2024 - 2025
Who is Legally Responsible for Charlie Kirk’s Death?
What happens when debate dies and violence takes its place?
In this episode of Beneath the Law, Gavin Tighe and Stephen Thiele examine the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk in Utah…
The Law Behind Family Money and Real Estate
Is it a gift—or a $500,000 mistake?
Gavin Tighe and Stephen Thiele examine one of the thorniest issues in today’s overheated real estate market: when parents help their kids buy a home,…
Cold Play… Legal Hot Mess
What happens when a private moment becomes a global spectacle?
In this episode of Beneath the Law, Gavin Tighe and Stephen Thiele break down the infamous “Coldplay kiss cam” scandal th…
Diddy’s Downfall: Fame on Trial
Is fame the ultimate shield from justice?
Gavin Tighe and Stephen Thiele dive deep into the sensational and disturbing criminal case against music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs.
Prompted by …
Easements, Entitlements, and Enemies
What happens when neighborly charm turns into a courtroom showdown over driveways, fences, and junk piles?
Gavin Tighe and Stephen Thiele dive into a thorny Ontario neighbor dispute tha…
Trigger Warning: Canada's Gun Problem
Is Canada really safer from gun violence—or just legally blind to the problem?
Gavin Tighe and Stephen Thiele dive deep into Canada’s hidden handgun crisis, the porous border with the U…
SLAPP Battles in the 6ix
What happens when a 24-year-old student takes on a powerful developer—and wins?
Gavin Tighe and Stephen Thiele dig into Sheridan Retail Inc. v. Roy, a landmark Ontario case that capture…
Can a CITY SHUT DOWN Wild St Paddy's Parties?
Are city crackdowns on St. Patrick’s Day parties really about public order—or about squashing a good time?
Gavin Tighe and Stephen Thiele tackle the curious case of Waterloo v. Persons …
Toronto’s Bike Lanes Constitutional Crisis
Are we stretching the Canadian Charter to cover bike lanes and park encampments?
Gavin Tighe and Stephen Thiele dive into a fiery debate on the limits of judicial activism and the clash …
The Airbnb Tenant from Hell
Imagine your peaceful cottage weekend being hijacked by Airbnb party animals.
In this episode of Beneath the Law, Gavin Tighe and Stephen Thiele dive into the legal and ethical quagmire …
The Needle and the Law: Who’s Really Protected?
Is our approach to drug addiction helping or hurting our cities?
Gavin and Stephen tackle one of the most controversial issues in modern urban life: safe injection sites and the opioid …
Sue You Later: The Rise of Vexatious Litigants
Ever been sued for making it rain? In this thought-provoking episode of Beneath the Law, Gavin Tighe and Stephen Thiele dive into the murky waters of vexatious litigants—those who weapo…
Disney vs. The Doctor: A Case of Arbitration and Tragedy
Are you aware of the hidden dangers lurking in your restaurant orders and online agreements?
In this episode, Gavin and Stephen discuss a tragic case involving a fatal food allergy at a…
Libel, Lies, and Lawsuits: Dong vs. Global News
Is the media failing us with sensationalism?
In this episode, Stephen and Gavin explore the controversial defamation lawsuit involving Canadian MP Han Dong and Global News.
They discuss…
Riding into Risk: A Legal Look at ATV Safety
An ATV, a tragic turn, and a court decision that changed everything.
Hosts Gavin and Stephen, dive into the Ontario Court of Appeal's ruling on de Roche v McInnis. The case unravels the …
Blackballed by the Bank: One Customer’s Legal Battle
From defamed to victorious: A mortgage manager’s triumphant battle.
In this episode, Gavin and Stephen discuss a case where the plaintiff, accused of fraudulently processing mortgages, w…
Puck, Power, Prosecution: Canada’s Jr Hockey Scandal
Hockey, scandal, and the law.
Gavin, Stephen, and guest Lad Kucis review a controversial case that’s made headlines across the Country. It involves former members of the Canadian World J…
Confidentiality vs. Transparency: The Supreme Court’s Stand on Mandate Letters
The Supreme Court of Canada has really stirred the pot this time. The issue is whether mandate letters should be subject to disclosure. Mandate letters are instructions or views given t…
The Federal Court’s Verdict on the Use of the Emergencies Act
In this episode Gavin and Stephen discuss the recent decision by the federal court on the challenge to the constitutionality and legality of the federal government's decision to invoke …
Injunction granted to remove U of T campers
Background
- October 2023 terrorist action in Israel in which over 1,000 people were killed by Hamas has led to war in the Gaza Strip
- War has resulted in displacement of Palestinians an…