DOCSLIB.ORG

Criminal Law Handbook for Self-Represented Accused

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Criminal Law Handbook for Self-Represented Accused © Canadian Judicial Council. 2020 Table of Contents Criminal Law Handbook for Self-Represented Accused .......................................................... 1 1. Self-Represented Accused’s Rights, Responsibilities & Supports .................................... 5 1.1 Statement of Principles on SRLs .................................................................................................. 5 1.2 Right of Accused to Represent Themself ...................................................................................... 6 1.3 Accused Responsibilities ............................................................................................................... 7 1.4 Role of the Judge .......................................................................................................................... 7 1.5 Legal Assistance ............................................................................................................................ 8 1.6 Questions to Ask a Lawyer Worksheet ....................................................................................... 12 1.7 Appearing in Court without a Lawyer ......................................................................................... 14 2. First Steps in your Criminal Case ................................................................................. 15 2.1 The Charge ................................................................................................................................. 15 2.2 First Appearance ........................................................................................................................ 16 2.3 Disclosure .................................................................................................................................. 17 2.4 Pleas........................................................................................................................................... 17 2.5 Arraignment / Scheduling .......................................................................................................... 20 2.6 Alternative Measures ................................................................................................................ 20 2.7 Alternative Measures (Diversion) Worksheet ........................................................................... 22 3. Bail ............................................................................................................................. 24 3.1 Overview .................................................................................................................................... 24 3.2 Bail Hearing ............................................................................................................................... 24 3.3 Bail Review ................................................................................................................................ 27 4. Building Your Defence ................................................................................................ 30 4.1 Understand what the Crown needs to Prove ............................................................................ 30 4.2 Strategy ..................................................................................................................................... 32 4.3 Your Defence Strategy Worksheet ............................................................................................ 34 5. Legal Research ............................................................................................................ 35 5.1 Researching Legislation and Case Law ...................................................................................... 35 5.2 Choosing the Right Case ............................................................................................................ 36 6. Becoming Familiar with Court Processes ..................................................................... 38 6.1 The Courtroom .......................................................................................................................... 38 6.2 Courtroom Behaviour ................................................................................................................ 39 6.3 Presentation Skills ..................................................................................................................... 41 6.4 Managing the Stress of Trial ...................................................................................................... 43 6.5 Before Court Checklist ............................................................................................................... 44 7. Evidence ..................................................................................................................... 45 7.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 45 7.2 Objecting to Evidence ................................................................................................................ 46 7.3 Types of Evidence ...................................................................................................................... 48 7.4 Documentary Evidence.............................................................................................................. 48 7.5 Oral Evidence ............................................................................................................................. 51 7.6 Testifying ................................................................................................................................... 51 i 7.7 Testimony Worksheet ............................................................................................................... 53 7.8 Witnesses .................................................................................................................................. 55 7.9 Evidence Inventory Worksheet ................................................................................................. 59 8. Jury ............................................................................................................................ 60 8.1 Jury Selection ............................................................................................................................. 60 8.2 Jury Trial .................................................................................................................................... 62 9. Trial ............................................................................................................................ 64 9.1 Pre-Trial ..................................................................................................................................... 64 9.2 Overview and Summary of Steps in the Trial ............................................................................ 64 9.3 Opening Statements .................................................................................................................. 67 9.4 Witnesses at Trial ...................................................................................................................... 67 9.5 Witness Worksheet ................................................................................................................... 73 9.6 Voir Dire or Pre-Trial Application ............................................................................................... 74 9.7 Charter Application ................................................................................................................... 75 9.8 Directed Verdict of Acquittal ..................................................................................................... 76 9.9 Closing Arguments ..................................................................................................................... 76 9.10 Closing Statement Worksheet ................................................................................................... 77 9.11 Verdict ....................................................................................................................................... 78 10. Sentencing .................................................................................................................. 79 10.1 Overview .................................................................................................................................... 79 10.2 Preparing for Your Sentencing Hearing ..................................................................................... 80 10.3 Indigenous Sentencing Considerations..................................................................................... 83 11. Appeals ...................................................................................................................... 84 11.1 What is an Appeal? .................................................................................................................... 84 11.2 Process of Appealing ................................................................................................................. 85 11.3 Appeal Hearing .......................................................................................................................... 86 11.4 Applying to have a Lawyer Appointed ....................................................................................... 88 11.5 Applying for Bail .......................................................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Immigration Consequences at Sentencing
    Update on Criminal Inadmissibility Peter Edelmann1 Division 4 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (“IRPA”) sets out the various grounds of inadmissibility along with a number of evidentiary and procedural matters. This paper will focus on the grounds of criminal inadmissibility set out in section 36. It will not address the related grounds of inadmissibility such as those under sections 34(security), 35 (international crimes) and 37 (organized criminality), each of which would provide ample material for a lengthy paper on their own. Section 36 sets out the grounds that render individuals inadmissible for criminality. The most fundamental distinction in s.36 is between criminality and serious criminality. Criminality, as described in s.36(2), only affects foreign nationals: A36 (2) A foreign national is inadmissible on grounds of criminality for (a) having been convicted in Canada of an offence under an Act of Parliament punishable by way of indictment, or of two offences under any Act of Parliament not arising out of a single occurrence; (b) having been convicted outside Canada of an offence that, if committed in Canada, would constitute an indictable offence under an Act of Parliament, or of two offences not arising out of a single occurrence that, if committed in Canada, would constitute offences under an Act of Parliament; (c) committing an act outside Canada that is an offence in the place where it was committed and that, if committed in Canada, would constitute an indictable offence under an Act of Parliament; or (d) committing, on entering Canada, an offence under an Act of Parliament prescribed by regulations.
    [Show full text]
  • Removal Order Appeals: Chapter 8
    Chapter Eight Criminal Equivalency Introduction There are several provisions in IRPA relating to criminality IRPA where the issue of equivalency of foreign criminal convictions and offences to Canadian offences arises. If a person is found described in one of the equivalency provisions in subsection 36(1) for “serious criminality” or 36(2) for “criminality” that render them inadmissible to Canada, a removal order may be issued against that person. The relevant removal order in such cases is a deportation order, which must be issued by the Immigration Division (see Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, s. 229(1)(c) and (d)). A permanent resident may be ordered removed from Canada if found described in subsection 36(1) of IRPA for “serious criminality”. The ground of “criminality” found in subsection 36(2) does not apply to permanent residents. A foreign national, however, may be ordered removed from Canada if found described in subsection 36(1) or 36(2) of IRPA. Certain persons – notably, permanent residents, but also protected persons and foreign nationals who hold a permanent resident visa – have a right of appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) from the removal order on both grounds of appeal, that is, that the removal order is not legally valid and that the discretionary jurisdiction of the IAD should be exercised in the appellant’s favour (see IRPA, s. 63(2) and 63(3)). It is also possible for the Minister to appeal against a decision of the Immigration Division in an inadmissibility hearing (IRPA, s. 63(5)), but such appeals occur infrequently. Relevant Legislation A person may be inadmissible on the grounds of serious criminality or criminality either because of a conviction for an offence committed outside Canada that, if committed in Canada, would constitute an offence under an Act of Parliament or for having committed an act outside Canada that is an offence in the place where it was committed and that, if committed in Canada, would constitute an offence under an Act of Parliament.
    [Show full text]
  • Paralegal Standing Committee Report
    Convocation - Paralegal Standing Committee Report Tab 3 Paralegal Standing Committee Bill C-75 Response September 11, 2019 Committee Members: Robert Burd (Chair) Megan Shortreed (Vice-Chair) Joseph Chiummiento Cathy Corsetti Seymour Epstein Sam Goldstein Shelina Lalji Marian Lippa Nancy Lockhart Michelle Lomazzo Geneviève Painchaud Geoff Pollock Chi-Kun Shi Authored By: Will Morrison [email protected] 78 Convocation - Paralegal Standing Committee Report Bill C-75 Response Table of Contents Motion ................................................................................................................................ 2 Executive Summary .......................................................................................................... 2 Background ....................................................................................................................... 3 A. Current Landscape of Agent Representation............................................................. 3 B. Background to Bill C-75 ............................................................................................. 6 C. Background to Bill C-46 ............................................................................................. 7 D. Law Society Response Efforts and Considerations ................................................... 8 Analysis ........................................................................................................................... 10 A. Response Options ..................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Core 1..40 Committee (PRISM::Advent3b2 17.25)
    Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights JUST Ï NUMBER 114 Ï 1st SESSION Ï 42nd PARLIAMENT EVIDENCE Monday, October 29, 2018 Chair Mr. Anthony Housefather 1 Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights Monday, October 29, 2018 (Amendment negatived [See Minutes of Proceedings]) Ï (1230) (Clause 87 agreed to) [English] (On clause 88) The Chair (Mr. Anthony Housefather (Mount Royal, Lib.)): Good afternoon, everyone. Welcome to the Standing Committee on The Chair: We will move to CPC-49. Justice and Human Rights as we continue our clause-by-clause review of Bill C-75. Mr. Cooper, go ahead. Mr. Michael Cooper: Thank you, Mr. Chair. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of the personnel who were able to work so hard to have this early extra meeting. Thank This is another amendment dealing with reclassification. Bill C-75 you to the clerk, the legislative clerks, and the analysts. It is really would water down sentencing for an offence related to an appreciated. Thank you as well to the translators and everyone else unseaworthy vessel and unsafe aircraft. This would maintain the who really helped out. It is much, much appreciated. status quo, which is to treat that offence as strictly indictable. I also want to thank the members and the officials from the The Chair: Thank you very much. Department of Justice who were able to accommodate their Is there any discussion? schedules. It is much, much appreciated. (Amendment negatived [See Minutes of Proceedings]) Before I go to our next clause—that will be clause 87—I want to advise members of the committee that over the weekend the vice- (Clause 88 agreed to) chairs and I had a conversation.
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter 7 – Offences
    Law 12 Unit Introduction There are many types of criminal offences in Canada. Generally, the less serious ones are dealt with in a different way than the more serious ones. This unit explores how the seriousness of the offence affects the way in which the police can investigate, and the crown can prosecute. It will also examine specific offences against people, property, and morality... Expanding on what we did last unit. Classification of Offences Criminal offences in Canada are placed into one of three possible categories: 1. Summary Conviction Offences Least serious, and are prosecuted in a more summary and simplified way. 2. Indictable Offences More serious and are prosecuted in more detail. Classification of Offences 3. Hybrid Offences (or Dual Procedure Offences) may be tried as either Summary or Indictable offences. These are generally seen as serious in some circumstances, and less serious in others. The circumstances around the offences determines how it is tried. For example: The criminal record of the accused and the amount of violence in a crime would determine how it is tried. Classification of Offences Grouping the least serious offences together differentiates them from the more serious ones. It’s easier for all involved. More importantly, this classification system dictates the procedures that must be followed through the system, all the way from original arrest to final sentencing. The way an officer can arrest a person is tied to this system. Classification of Offences The level of court the case will be heard in, and whether the accused has a choice in the type of trial, are all tied into the classifications as well.
    [Show full text]
  • Identity Theft)
    Bill S-4 - Criminal Code amendments (Identity Theft) NATIONAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE SECTION CANADIAN BAR ASSOCIATION June 2009 500-865 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1S 5S8 tel/tél : 613.237.2925 | toll free/sans frais : 1.800.267.8860 | fax/téléc : 613.237.0185 | [email protected] | www.cba.org PREFACE The Canadian Bar Association is a national association representing 37,000 jurists, including lawyers, notaries, law teachers and students across Canada. The Association's primary objectives include improvement in the law and in the administration of justice. This submission was prepared by the National Criminal Justice Section of the Canadian Bar Association, with assistance from the Legislation and Law Reform Directorate at the National Office. The submission has been reviewed by the Legislation and Law Reform Committee and approved as a public statement of the National Criminal Justice Section of the Canadian Bar Association. Copyright © 2009 Canadian Bar Association TABLE OF CONTENTS Bill S-4 - Criminal Code amendments (Identity Theft) I. INTRODUCTION ............................................................... 1 II. GENERAL PRINCIPLES ................................................... 1 III. THE PROPOSED NEW OFFENCES................................. 2 A. Identity Document Offences ...................................................... 2 B. Identity Information Offences ..................................................... 3 C. Instruments Used for Copying Credit Card Data ........................ 5 D. Selling, Transferring or Offering
    [Show full text]
  • Mandatory Sentences of Imprisonment in Common Law Jurisdictions: Some Representative Models
    SERVING CANADIANS RESEARCH AND STATISTICS DIVISION MANDATORY SENTENCES OF IMPRISONMENT IN COMMON LAW JURISDICTIONS: SOME REPRESENTATIVE MODELS Table of Contents Acknowledgements............................................................................................................iii Highlights.............................................................................................................................v Executive Summary............................................................................................................ 1 1.0 Introduction............................................................................................................. 3 1.1 Mandatory Sentencing and Public Opinion ........................................................ 5 1.2 Attitudes to mandatory sentencing in the U.S., Australia and Britain................ 5 1.3 Trends in Mandatory Sentencing Legislation..................................................... 6 1.4 The Future of Mandatory Sentencing ................................................................. 7 1.5 References and Further Reading......................................................................... 7 2.0 Canada..................................................................................................................... 9 2.1 Summary............................................................................................................. 9 2.2 Overview of Sentencing Framework .................................................................. 9 2.3 Mandatory
    [Show full text]
  • Enforcing Wildlife Law
    University of Calgary PRISM: University of Calgary's Digital Repository Research Centres, Institutes, Projects and Units Canadian Institute of Resources Law 2006-03 Enforcing Wildlife Law Kwasniak, Arlene Canadian Institute of Resources Law Canadian Wildlife Law Paper #2, "Enforcing Wildlife Law" (Calgary: Canadian Institute of Resources Law, 2006) http://hdl.handle.net/1880/48580 working paper Downloaded from PRISM: https://prism.ucalgary.ca Canadian Institute of Resources Law Institut canadien du droit des ressources Enforcing Wildlife Law Arlene Kwasniak Assistant Professor of Law University of Calgary Canadian Wildlife Law Project Paper #2 March 2006 MFH 3330, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive N.W., Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4 Tel: (403) 220-3200 Fax: (403) 282-6182 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.cirl.ca All rights reserved. No part of this paper may be reproduced in any form or by any means without permission in writing from the publisher: Canadian Institute of Resources Law, MFH 3330, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2N 1N4 Copyright © 2006 Canadian Institute of Resources Law Institut canadien du droit des ressources University of Calgary Printed in Canada Canadian Wildlife Law Project Canadian Institute of Resources Law The Canadian Institute of Resources Law was incorporated in 1979 with a mandate to examine the legal aspects of both renewable and non-renewable resources. Its work falls into three interrelated areas: research, education, and publication. The Institute has engaged in a wide variety of research projects, including studies on oil and gas, mining, forestry, water, electricity, the environment, aboriginal rights, surface rights, and the trade of Canada’s natural resources.
    [Show full text]
  • Criminal Law & Procedure
    UNDERSTANDING THE LAW CRIMINAL LAW & PROCEDURE Available from: Community Legal Education Association www.communitylegal.mb.ca Community Legal Education Association Community Legal Education Association Publication of this booklet was made possible by funding from the Department Justice Canada, The Manitoba Law Foundation, and the Manitoba Community Services Council with lottery revenues provided by the Government of Manitoba. The revision of this booklet was made possible by funding from The Winnipeg Foundation. This booklet is intended as legal information only, not as advice. Every situation is unique, and involves individual legal issues. If you have been charged with an offence, or want legal advice about some other matter, call a lawyer. If you need help finding a lawyer, call our Lawyer Referral Service at 943-2305 or 1-800-262-8800 (IF PHONING FROM OUTSIDE WINNIPEG). Community Legal Education Association is a not-for-profit organiZation providing information about the law to Manitobans. The Association receives core funding from: • The Law Society of Manitoba • The Manitoba Law Foundation • The Department of Justice Canada Funding and support for specific projects was also provided by: • The Winnipeg Foundation • The Manitoba Law Foundation • Manitoba Immigrant Integration Program We would also like to thank our many members and donors for their support. The 1994 edition of this booklet was prepared by CLEA staff member, Saul Schachter. A number of volunteers reviewed draft versions of this publication and made important and helpful suggestions. Special thanks go to Phil Schachter and Eva Marciniak of Manitoba Justice, Jagjit S. Gill of Feuer & Associates, Michael Walker of Legal Aid Manitoba, and Greg Tramley of Phillips, Aiello, Boni.
    [Show full text]
  • Anti-Corruption
    GLOBAL PRACTICE GUIDE Defi niti ve global law guides off ering comparati ve analysis from top ranked lawyers Anti-Corruption Canada McMillan LLP chambers.com CANADA LAW AND PRACTICE: p.3 Contributed by McMillan LLP The ‘Law & Practice’ sections provide easily accessible information on navigating the legal system when conducting business in the jurisdic- tion. Leading lawyers explain local law and practice at key transactional stages and for crucial aspects of doing business. LAW AND PRACTICE CANADA Law and Practice Contributed by McMillan LLP Contents 1. Offences p.5 1.1 Legal Framework for Offences p.5 1.2 Classification and Constituent Elements p.5 1.3 Scope p.9 1.4 Limitation Periods p.9 2. Defences and Exceptions p.10 2.1 Defences p.10 2.2 De Minimis Exceptions p.10 2.3 Exempt Sectors/Industries p.10 2.4 Safe Harbour or Amnesty Programme p.10 3. Penalties p.10 3.1 Penalties on Conviction p.10 3.2 Guidelines Applicable to the Assessment of Penalties p.10 4. Compliance and Disclosure p.11 4.1 National Legislation and Duties to Prevent Corruption p.11 4.2 Disclosure of Violations of Anti-bribery and Anti-corruption Provisions p.11 4.3 Protection Afforded to Whistle-blowers p.11 5. Enforcement p.11 5.1 Enforcement of Anti-bribery and Anti- corruption Laws p.11 5.2 Enforcement Body p.11 5.3 Process of Application for Documentation p.11 5.4 Discretion for Mitigation p.12 5.5 Jurisdictional Reach of the Body/Bodies p.12 5.6 Recent Landmark Investigations or Decisions Involving Bribery or Corruption p.12 5.7 Level of Sanctions Imposed p.12 6.
    [Show full text]
  • Collateral Consequences of Criminal Convictions
    COLLATERAL CONSEQUENCES OF CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS CONSIDERATIONS FOR LAWYERS February, 2017 Collateral Consequences of Criminal Convictions: Considerations for Lawyers ISBN: 978-1-927014-35-6 © Canadian Bar Association 865 Carling Avenue, Suite 500 Ottawa, ON K1S 5S8 Tel.: (613) 237-2925 / (800) 267-8860 Fax: (613) 237-0185 2 Collateral Consequences of Criminal Convictions: Considerations for Lawyers INTRODUCTION Crown and defence counsel in criminal proceedings often consider their responsibility to an accused person ending with the close of court proceedings. If an acquittal results, counsel may not consider what happens with records generated as part of the prosecution. If a conviction is the outcome, counsel may not feel responsible for factoring in potential ongoing collateral civil implications when speaking to sentence. For example, the offender’s employment or future plans may be restricted because of travel limitations, or the offender may be unable to pay a court-imposed fine and face ongoing penalties as a result. But, if not the job of counsel at the sentencing hearing, who will advise the offender of potential additional implications of a finding of guilt, beyond incarceration? Who will be responsible for ensuring that all likely collateral consequences of a conviction are before the court in arriving at a just sentence, viewed comprehensively? Prosecutors need to ensure that full and accurate materials are forwarded to numerous decision-makers and bodies that may deal with an offender after sentencing. Defence counsel need to consider and communicate to the court all implications of a finding of guilt that may lead to barriers to an offender’s future prospects and/or successful reintegration into society following incarceration.
    [Show full text]
  • Criminal Offences Lesson Plan
    Criminal Offences Summary Lesson Plan Overview The federal government is responsible for making the laws dealing with Criminal law is an area of law that criminal law and procedure. The Criminal Code of Canada is the criminal deals with criminal offences and law statute, but there are other federal laws such as the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act that list offences. The Youth Criminal Justice Act applies consequences when someone is found to breaches of federal laws by young persons between the ages of 12 and guilty. 17. This lesson plan introduces students to Provincial governments can also pass laws that regulate conduct and the different types of offences. create offences, which are generally dealt with by summary conviction proceedings. Convictions for provincial offences may result in various Activities & Discussion sentences, including jail, fines, or probation. Questions: Previous cases from the criminal court system (case law) also help define laws and create precedents. 1) Find other examples of summary conviction, hybrid and indictable offences The Prosecutions department of Manitoba Justice prosecutes Criminal under the Criminal Code of Canada. Code and provincial offences. The Public Prosecution Service of Canada 2) Read the R. v. Jarvis case summary prosecutes federal offences other than those under the Criminal Code, such as drug offences under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and income which deals with the crime of voyeurism. tax violations under the Income Tax Act. What are the penalties for voyeurism under the Criminal Code? Classification of Offences 3) Complete the Quiz. There are two types of offences in Canadian criminal law.
    [Show full text]