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Criminal Law Handbook for Self-Represented Accused

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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........................................................................................................................................... 18 2.5 Arraignment / Scheduling .......................................................................................................... 20 2.6 Alternative Measures ................................................................................................................ 21 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 .............................................................................................................. 49 i 7.5 Oral Evidence ............................................................................................................................. 51 7.6 Testifying ................................................................................................................................... 51 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 ..................................................................................... 81 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 .......................................................................................................................
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