Articles
Golf
Hosel rockets: ‘Sandbagger?! I’ll see you in court!” | Michael Cochrane
A casual accusation of “sandbagger” on the golf course may seem harmless, but what if it amounts to a public allegation of cheating that damages someone’s reputation? Blending golf culture with defamation law, Michael Cochrane explores how a heated dispute over...
Hosel rockets: A golfer’s biggest danger? | Michael Cochrane
Golfers often worry about errant shots and lightning strikes, but Michael Cochrane argues that the greatest danger on the course may be the humble golf cart. Drawing on real-life accidents, liability cases, and emerging concerns about alcohol use and golfer...
Hosel rockets: When sport becomes tort | Michael Cochrane
What happens when a golf ball, fireworks debris, or another sporting projectile leaves the field of play and causes serious injury to an unsuspecting bystander? Through a series of fascinating real-life cases, Michael Cochrane explores how courts distinguish...
Hosel rockets: What are the odds? | Michael Cochrane
From lightning strikes that altered professional golf careers to tragic accidents on public courses, Michael Cochrane explores the surprising legal questions that arise when golfers encounter one of nature’s most unpredictable hazards. Blending fascinating...
Hosel rockets: Time to drop the glove(s)? | Michael Cochrane
Tempers can flare on the golf course, but what begins as frustration over slow play or poor etiquette can quickly escalate into serious legal trouble. With humour and practical insight, Michael Cochrane examines the criminal and civil consequences of...
Hosel rockets: The case of nuisance and Benny the Cat | Michael Cochrane
What begins as the occasional golf ball landing in a neighbour’s yard can quickly escalate into claims for nuisance, negligence, and injunctions against golf courses. Through a series of colourful cases—including the unforgettable tale of Benny the Cat—Michael...
Hosel Rockets: Dispatches from the Pettifogging Lawyer | Michael Cochrane
When a wayward golf shot leaves a fellow golfer seriously injured, an important legal question arises: who is responsible? Through humour, real-life examples, and case law, Michael Cochrane explores when injuries on the golf course are simply part of the game...
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence in Ontario: End of the Beginning Part Two | Michael Cochrane
Michael Cochrane argues that strong relationships depend on skills that are rarely taught, including conflict resolution, communication, and problem-solving. Drawing on examples from education and family law, he explores how teaching these skills early could...
Domestic Violence in Ontario: A Beginning to an End? | Michael Cochrane
Instead of focusing on the aftermath of domestic violence, Michael Cochrane examines how education, screening, and relationship awareness could help prevent abuse before it begins. He argues that society should invest more in preparing people for healthy...
The Crime of Domestic Violence | Michael Cochrane
Michael Cochrane takes a critical look at Bill C-332 and its proposal to criminalize coercive control within intimate relationships. Drawing on decades of family law experience, he examines whether criminal law can effectively deter abusive behaviour and...
Violence in Ontario Families: I Smell Gasoline | Michael Cochrane
As courts consider recognizing a new tort of family violence, Michael Cochrane warns that a well-intentioned legal remedy may have unintended consequences for families and the justice system. Using the landmark Ahluwalia case as a backdrop, he explores whether...
Violence in Ontario Families: Something Is Off | Michael Cochrane
Are governments investing enough in preventing domestic violence, or simply paying an ever-growing bill for its consequences? Drawing on decades of legal and policy experience, Michael Cochrane examines troubling statistics and argues that despite massive...
Lottery
Avoiding frauds in group lottery play | Michael Cochrane
A million-dollar lottery win can quickly turn into a criminal investigation when questions arise about who really owns the winning ticket. Drawing on a recent Toronto fraud case and years of experience with lottery disputes, Michael Cochrane reveals the common...
Oh no! I won the lottery! | Michael Cochrane – Law360 Canada
Winning the lottery can be the start of a legal nightmare, as disputes over workplace lottery pools often hinge on whether participants can prove they were part of the group and contributed to the ticket purchase. Drawing on real cases and a recent B.C. court...