Introduction to Criminal Law (1:I)

This chapter provides a reference for LSLAP clinicians to assist and advise clients through each step of the criminal justice process. It highlights the procedures and issues clinicians commonly face in representing clients in criminal proceedings, sets out the relevant substantive law to assist students in preparing for trial, and includes practice recommendations for clinicians. However, it is highly recommended that any clinician proceeding with a criminal file refer to this chapter alongside the LSLAP Guide to Criminal Defence Work 2013.

A. Governing Legislation and Resources

Resources

• David Watt & Michelle Fuerst, eds, Tremeear’s Criminal Code, 2015 ed (Toronto: Carswell, 2015).
• Edward L Greenspan, QC& Marc Rosenberg, eds, Martin’s Annual Criminal Code, 2014 ed (Aurora: Canada Law Book Inc, 2014).
• Eugene E Ewaschuk, Criminal Pleadings and Practice in Canada, 2d ed (Toronto: Canada Law Book, 1988).
• Peter K McWilliams & S Casey Hill, McWilliam’s Canadian Criminal Evidence, 4th ed (Toronto: Canada Law Book, 2003).
• David Watt, Watt’s Manual of Criminal Evidence (Toronto: Carswell, 1998).
• R Paul Nadin-Davis & Clarey B Sproule, eds, Canadian Sentencing Digest Quantum Service (Toronto: Carswell, 1988) (also available on e-carswell).
• Francis Lewis Wellman, Art of Cross-Examination With the Cross-Examinations of Important Witnesses in Some Celebrated Cases (New York: Collier Books, 1903).
• Earl J Levy, Examination of Witnesses in Criminal Cases, 3d ed (Toronto: Carswell, 1994).
• Thomas A Mauet, Donald G Casswell, & Gordon P MacDonald, Fundamentals of Trial Techniques (Toronto: Little, Brown, 1995).
• Christopher Bentley, Criminal Practice Manual: a Practical Guide to Handling Criminal Cases(Scarborough, Ont: Carswell, 2000).

Relevant Statutes

• Criminal Code,RSC, 1985, c C-46.
• Controlled Drugs and Substances Act,SC 1996, c 19(if drug offence).
• Canada Evidence Act, RSC, 1985, c C-5.
• Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Part I of the Constitution Act, 1982 being Schedule B to the Canada Act 1982 (UK), 1982, c. 11(particularly ss 7 – 14, 24 (1) and (2)).
• Identification of Criminals Act, RSC, 1985, c I-1.
• DNA Identification Act, SC 1998, c 37.