In Canada, the word “defence” can be used to refer to several different ideas in the criminal justice system. A person who is accused of an offence is sometimes called “the defendant” and their legal team can be referred to as “the defence.” The word “defence” is also used to refer to the legal strategy – “the defence” – […]
An “offence” is a legal rule that imposes a penalty for doing something that is prohibited or for not doing something that is mandatory. In other words, it is a law that punishes someone for not following a rule. It is one of the many tools that governments use to regulate society and uphold values. […]
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms imposes limits and obligations on government authorities and grants rights and privileges to persons suspected or charged with offences. As part of our constitution, the rights and freedoms protected by the Charter supersede other legal rules, including the provisions of the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and […]
