North America: Criminal Law

The U.S. Department of Justice's Fraud Division has issued new corporate enforcement guidance establishing a dedicated team to oversee fraud cases and identifying four priority investigation areas. Companies face heightened scrutiny as DOJ deploys advanced data analytics and enhanced whistleblower incentives to detect corporate misconduct more rapidly. Understanding the ten charging factors and compliance expectations outlined in this directive is essential for organizations to assess their exposure and str

I recently had reason to reconsider the question of whether, in Ontario, there is a two-year or no limitation period for sexual assault where one of the parties to the alleged assault has died. I wanted to know if there had been further case law developments on this question since my 2016 blog on the topic, “Court Breaks New Ground for Sexual Assault Cases.” I was surprised to see that, ten years later, the question has yet to be answered in a clear and conclusive manner.

On Oct. 1, 2026, Colin M. McDonald, assistant attorney general for the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division or Division), issued a memorandum titled “Directive 26-12: Corporate Enforcement in the Fight Against Fraud” (the Memorandum or the “Directive”), outlining the Division’s approach to investigating and prosecuting corporate misconduct.