Criminal Law

Deals with offenses against society and seeks to punish and rehabilitate offenders, keep the peace, and protect people and property. It is the federal government's responsibility.

Minor criminal offenses, equivalent to misdemeanors in the USA.

More serious criminal offenses, equivalent to felony crimes in the USA.

Offenses that can be charged as either summary or indictable, depending on the circumstances.

The criminal action, which must be proven against an accused to get a conviction.

The criminal intent or guilty mind, which must also be proven against an accused to get a conviction.

The trial and appeal division of the provincial court system for important criminal cases.

Hears appeals on points of law and ensures adherence to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Requires reasonable and probable grounds for the police, and the police must advise the arrested person of their rights.

Includes the right to remain silent, as well as other rights listed in the Charter.

Include the ability to use necessary force to prevent an escape and the requirement of a search warrant for private residences.

Our trial system where opposing sides present evidence to prove guilt or innocence.

The judge determines the admissibility of evidence in Canadian courts.

Describes how juries are selected in Canada.

First Degree, Second Degree, Manslaughter, Infanticide, and Negligent Homicide.

Examples include assault and sexual assault, with severity determining the category.

Examples include identity theft, fraud, and possession of prohibited weapons.

The accused's response to a criminal charge, including alibi, problems with eyewitness evidence, and various legal defenses.

Deals with how youth aged 12-17 are handled in the criminal justice system, emphasizing rehabilitation and providing additional rights and programs for youth offenders.

Youths have the same rights as adults under the Charter and additional rights under the YCJA.

Programs designed to deal with youth outside the court system.

Jail time is a last resort, and other options are considered for youth offenders.