Members of the courtroom | Criminal Code | Court Procedures |
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What is a petitioner or Plaintiff?
The person filing a civil action in court.
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What is a crime/criminal act?
A deliberate act that violates the law, causes harm to society and is considered immoral to the greater public.
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What is a Plea?
This is the defendant's submission dictating whether or not they will contest innocence.
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What is a respondent?
The person sued or accused in court, also known as the defendant.
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What is a summary offence?
The lowest type of criminal offence, in which the defendant is unable to be sentenced to more than two years in prison.
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What is the Federal Court?
Based in Ottawa, this Court's judges travel around Canada on "a circuit" and consists of a Chief Justice as well as 32 other appointed judges.
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What is the Crown Counsel?
A person who conducts prosecutions of offences on behalf of the Queen.
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What is the Criminal Code?
The majority of Canada's offences are set out in this document, with the rest present in other federal statues.
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What is the Small Claims Division?
Dealing with claims of 25,000 dollars or less, this court division does not require a lawyer present, and may have each party argue their case by themselves.
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What is a witness?
A person brought in to provide testimony as evidence, who has knowledge relevant to the case.
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What is the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms?
This document, in addition to other items, covers a suspect or criminal's inherent legal rights which cannot be obstructed.
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What is a "Show-Cause" hearing?
The judge must decide whether or not to grant the accused freedom while the trial proceeds, or detainment, in this hearing.
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What is the Federal Court system?
The judges of this court are appointed by the federal government and are addressed as "My Lord", "Your Lordship" or "Your Ladyship"
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What is a Quasi-criminal offence?
Provincial and Municipal governments can create this type of offence that impose less serious penalties.
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What is a recognizance?
The accused person’s promise to pay a specific
amount of money if they fail to comply with certain conditions laid down by the court. |