A Saskatchewan case has been featured among the Supreme Court of Canada’s most significant decisions of 2025, as part of the court’s newly released year in review.

The annual report, published March 16 to mark the court’s 150th anniversary, highlights key rulings that shaped Canada’s legal landscape over the past year.

Among them is John Howard Society of Saskatchewan v. Saskatchewan (Attorney General), a decision that changed how inmate disciplinary cases are handled in the province.

In its March 14, 2025 ruling, the Supreme Court found that Saskatchewan’s Correctional Services Regulations violated the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms by allowing inmates to be disciplined based on a lower standard of proof.

Previously, disciplinary panels in provincial correctional facilities relied on a balance of probabilities, meaning it only needed to be more likely than not that an offence occurred.

The court ruled that in cases where penalties could include segregation or loss of earned remission, the higher standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt must apply.

Chief Justice Richard Wagner, writing for the majority, said the existing rules allowed punishment even when there was reasonable doubt about an inmate’s guilt.

The decision found the regulations infringed both Section 7 and Section 11(d) of the Charter, which protect the right to life, liberty, and security of the person, as well as the presumption of innocence.

The case was brought forward by the John Howard Society of Saskatchewan, which argued that inmates facing serious disciplinary consequences should be afforded the same legal protections as those charged with criminal offences.

The Supreme Court’s year in review says the ruling reflects a broader approach to interpreting Charter rights, emphasizing fairness and the real-world impact of legal decisions.

Chief Justice Wagner said the milestone report offers an opportunity to reflect on the court’s role in Canadian democracy.

"Each case that comes before the Court carries real consequences for individuals and for society as a whole," Wagner said in a statement.

The Supreme Court of Canada, established in 1875, is the country’s highest court and has final authority over legal disputes nationwide.

Officials say the 2025 report not only highlights major rulings, but also underscores the court’s ongoing responsibility to uphold the rule of law and public confidence in the justice system.