Le privilège prévu à l'article 4(3) LPC empêche de contraindre l'épouse d'un accusé à témoigner pour la Poursuite

R. v. Sidhu, 2013 ONCA 719

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[14]      The appellants’ claim that the conversation was protected by spousal privilege has no merit. Spousal privilege, embodied in s. 4(3) of the Canada Evidence Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. C-5, is a testimonial privilege that prevents compelled testimony. The communications themselves are not privileged: see R. v. Couture, 2007 SCC 28, [2007] 2 S.C.R. 517, at para. 41. I accept the respondent’s contention that the spousal privilege argument is a “red herring”, given that it was the defence who asked that the wife’s conversation with Mr. Sidhu be admitted.