SCC Decision: October 2, 2008

R. v. R.E.M., 2008 SCC 51
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(Criminal law / Reasons for judgment)
The complainant alleged that REM had sexually assaulted her numerous times when she was between the ages of 9 and 17.  REM admitted having sex with the complainant, but claimed it was consensual, occuring only after the complainant had attained the age of consent at the time.  The trial judge accepted most of the complainant's evidence, rejected most of REM's evidence, and convicted REM.  REM appealed, arguing that the trial judge's reasons did not sufficiently explain why the trial judge had preferred the complainant's evidence over REM's evidence.  The Court upheld the conviction, finding that while the reasons were not ideal, they were sufficient.
Majority/Dissent: 7/0