NCJ Number
161945
Date Published
1996
Length
84 pages
Annotation
This booklet provides an overview of Canada's criminal justice system, including plans for reform.
Abstract
Following a brief review of the demographics of Canada, Canada's Federal system is described, along with its Criminal Code and the Charter of Rights. A description of procedural law statutes focuses on the Young Offenders Act, which applies to youth found guilty of offenses under Federal laws. It provides for the establishment of youth courts to deal with the trial and sentencing of young persons. A section on the fundamental principles of criminal law and procedure considers the principle of legality, the classification of offenses, strict and absolute liability offenses, corporate liability, justifications, time limitations, and definitions of selected offenses. Another section of the booklet addresses the organization of criminal investigations and criminal procedure. Topics covered include the legal prerequisites of apprehension, arrest, and pretrial detention; police; prosecution; organization of the courts; the bar and legal counsel; and the position of the victim. Remaining sections of the booklet describe sentencing and the system of sanctions, conditional and suspended and absolute discharge from sentence and probation, the prison system and after-care of prisoners, and plans for reform. An 18-item bibliography and appended list of the divisions within the Criminal Code and data on crime rates for selected crimes (1988-92) and sanctions imposed for Criminal Code convictions in adult provincial court in six jurisdictions (1991-92).