This course begins with a look at the sources of criminal procedure in Canada before tracking the law's first entry into the lives of individual citizens (detention and arrest), through the pre-trial (bail, jury selections), trial (motions, objections, witness examinations) and final stages (sentencing, appeal, post-conviction orders) of a criminal prosecution. Topics covered include: arrest procedures, warrants, wiretaps, the scope of search and seizure powers, bail orders, and the entering of pleas. We will also explore topics of evidence law, including the consequences of illegally obtaining it, hearsay evidence, trial objections, and Charter motions to exclude evidence.
The course involves heavy use of the Criminal Code and a broad introduction to legal research skills, including how to find criminal cases and legislation.
- Teacher: Maria Conroy