Criminal Law Glossary (1:App F)
Absolute discharge
- An accused pleads guilty or is found guilty but has no conditions or probation period imposed. There will be no conviction on the criminal record
Accused
- The person whom the Crown charges with a criminal offence
Actus Reus
- The elements of the crime; what the accused physically did to commit the crime
Adjournment
- A postponement; an accused or clinician can ask for this at an appearance if they need more time before deciding what to do about the charge
Admission
- A statement made by an accused to a civilian witness
Agent
- An appearance made by a person other than the accused acting on behalf of the accused
Alternative measures
- A program offered by Crown to divert the offender away from the criminal justice system, no guilty plea is made and charges are stayed. An acknowledgment of guilty and expression of remorse are required by the client
Appeal
- Formally contesting the verdict or sentence.
Appearance notice
- A notice provided by a police officer requiring the accused to attend court at a certain date and time
Arraignment hearing
- A hearing in front of a Judge or JP where the accused decides whether to plead guilty or go to trial
Bail
- Refers to the release (or detention) of a person charged with a criminal offence prior to a trial or guilty plea
Bail conditions
- Release conditions imposed on an accused that he or she must abide by in order to be released from custody prior to trial or plea
Bench warrant
- A bench warrant is an order issued by a judge requesting the detention of a person until he or she can appear in court. Such an order is often issued because a defendant did not appear in court.
Complainant
- The person who usually makes the report to the police about having been the victim of a crime
Conditional discharge
- A period of probation imposed on an accused where after the period is complete, no convictions will appear on a criminal record