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OTTAWA — Courts in Canada are grappling with new sex assault trial rules aimed at better protecting the privacy of accusers, but which may come at the cost of demolishing an accused’s right to a fair trial.

One judge recently concluded the changes “eviscerate” the most important tool the accused has when it comes to challenging the complainant’s version of events.

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The shadow of Jian Ghomeshi looms heavy over the new legislation, but it also comes during the MeToo era and concern the trial process is still too hostile towards accusers, who are most often women.

Bill C-51, federal legislation that took effect in December 2018, will inevitably wind up at the Supreme Court of Canada as Charter challenges have been launched against it across the country.

It's chaotic right now

Some judges have upheld the legislation, others have declared it unconstitutional, still others have found serious problems but suggested on-the-fly solutions to save it.