Criminal defence, and the law of intelligent systems.
A selective litigation practice in serious criminal matters, joined with a research-grounded focus on disputes arising from artificial intelligence — algorithmic evidence, automated decision-making, and institutional accountability.
Criminal Defence
Selective retainers in serious and complex criminal matters — trials, appeals, and urgent judicial interim release — before the courts of Alberta and British Columbia.
The criminal practice → Part IIAI & Emerging-Technology Litigation
Counsel on disputes where automated systems meet legal process: algorithmic evidence and disclosure, challenges to automated decision-making, and AI governance in institutional settings.
The AI practice →Two practices, one discipline: rigorous advocacy under uncertainty.
The habits of criminal defence — scrutiny of evidence, procedural precision, the burden of proof taken seriously — are precisely what litigation involving automated systems now demands.
Criminal Defence
Trial and appellate advocacy in criminal and quasi-criminal matters, informed by experience on both sides of the courtroom — for the defence, and formerly for the Crown. The practice is deliberately limited: a small number of matters, taken on where the issues warrant sustained attention.
- Serious criminal trials and appeals
- Urgent bail and judicial interim release
- Criminal matters with immigration consequences
- Opinions and consultation for counsel on novel issues
AI & Emerging-Technology Litigation
Grounded in doctoral research on AI and legal decision-making, this practice addresses disputes and advisory questions that arise when automated systems enter courtrooms, tribunals, and public administration.
- Algorithmic evidence: admissibility, reliability, disclosure
- Challenges to automated and AI-assisted decision-making
- AI governance and accountability for institutions
- Consultation for counsel and organisations on AI-related risk
Reported decisions and outcomes
R. v. Mock
After more than four years in custody, the Court of Appeal overturned a conviction for second-degree murder and substituted a designation of not criminally responsible by reason of mental disorder, referring the matter to the Review Board.
R. v. R.B.
Conditional discharge imposed after trial on a charge of dangerous driving under the Criminal Code, where the central issue was whether speed alone could attract criminal liability.
Impaired & dangerous driving acquittal
Client faced charges of impaired driving, driving "over 80," and dangerous driving; the allegations were successfully defended at trial.
Every case turns on its own facts. Past results are provided for information only and are not a guarantee or prediction of the outcome of any future matter.
J.S. Patel
Mr. Patel is a member of the Bars of Alberta and British Columbia. He graduated from York University with a Bachelor of Arts and read law at Osgoode Hall Law School, completing his articles with Borden Ladner Gervais LLP in Vancouver. A former Crown Prosecutor with Alberta Justice (Calgary Criminal Prosecutions), he has appeared on both sides of the courtroom. He is regularly consulted by counsel on novel issues arising at the intersection of criminal and immigration law.
He holds a Master of Laws from the London School of Economics and is presently a doctoral researcher in AI and Law at Queen Mary University of London, where his work concerns how AI systems can be made to operate within the constraints of law — structuring machine reasoning under uncertainty in institutional settings. He is the founder of Ethical AI, a governance initiative advising on the lawful and accountable deployment of AI in high-impact environments.
Writing on criminal law, evidence, and intelligent systems.
Recent Sexual Assault case from the Ontario Court of Appeal on mens rea, prior inconsistent statements and evidence of demeanour evidence
Sexual Offences Dec 2022Incompetence of Counsel: Disclosing a Statement to the Crown.
Counsel & Ethics Jun 2022Parole (in)eligibility on First Degree Murder Matters
Homicide & Party Liability Nov 2021In for an inch.... Joint/co-principal liability in Criminal Offences in Canada
Homicide & Party LiabilityEnquiries and consultations
The practice accepts a limited number of retainers. An initial consultation of up to thirty minutes is offered without charge. Enquiries from prospective clients, referring counsel, and institutions are welcome.
The contents of this site are provided for general information and do not constitute legal advice. Contacting this office does not create a solicitor–client relationship. Please do not send confidential information until a retainer has been confirmed.