This Ontario ruling may be the most compelling judicial decision you'll ever read

This Ontario Ruling May Be the Most Compelling Judicial Decision You'll Ever Read

A wise judge uses storytelling to create a new genre called Rural Ontario Gothic by blending sociological insight with the facts of a minor crime. The ruling, from the case of His Majesty the King and Neil Valliant, was delivered on October 21, 2025, in Pembroke, Ontario, by Justice J.R. Richardson.

The Incident in Westmeath

On February 12, 2025, just before 11:45 p.m., the peaceful Village of Westmeath was shattered by three unusual sounds for that time and place:

The blaring of a car alarm
The report of a shotgun blast
The report of another shotgun blast

Valliant was asleep at home after drinking too much. His rest was interrupted by his neighbor’s F-150 car alarm. Frustrated and impaired by alcohol, he reacted decisively.

“Get a dash of perspective along with the trending news of the day in a very readable format.”

Justice Richardson’s Narrative

Justice Richardson’s ruling compellingly recounts the incident, which, despite injuring no one, revealed deeper social tensions within the village. His storytelling combines legal fact with sociological reflection, making the decision both informative and engaging.

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Author’s summary: This ruling masterfully turns a minor local incident into a poignant, socially insightful story that redefines judicial narrative style.

National Post — 2025-11-02