Navigating The Criminal Justice System In Canada

An indispensable guide for the self-represented accused, victim or witness. Understanding Canada's criminal justice system can be difficult. Criminal charges often involve life-changing events, and the justice system can be intimidating and confusing. Many people struggle to understand what is happening, and don't know which of the many justice officials in the system can make decisions about their case. When can a trial be set? Who can change conditions of bail? Who can terminate a charge before trial? Who can a victim or witness contact for help preparing for trial? When a person goes to court it seems as if everyone has hired a lawyer, but the reality is many people appear before court, representing themselves. This book is a comprehensive guide to the justice system, written in simple, clear language. The book doesn't provide legal advice, but does explain how Canada's criminal justice system works, what justice officials do, and who has the power to make decisions at different stages of a criminal case. An indispensable guide for the self-represented victim, witness or accused.

The administration of justice is an area of social policy that defies attempts to achieve a balance between order and the protection of the public and respect for individual rights. The media contain daily accounts of the failure of the criminal justice system to repress crime. It is within this social and legal context that this work is situated. In addition to including a range of articles in the standard areas of policing, courts, and corrections, recent articles deal with such controversial issues as aboriginal justice, the recruitment of visible minorities by Canadian police forces, and the role of women in the Canadian criminal justice system. The collection concludes with a critical assessment of the retributive model that currently serves as the philosophical underpinnings of the Canadian criminal justice system.

This publication is the latest in a series of steps to assist judges in carrying out their onerous responsibilities, and represents a concise yet comprehensive set of principles addressing the many difficult ethical issues that confront judges as they work and live in their communities. It also provides a sound basis to promote a more complete understanding of the role of the judge in society and of the ethical dilemmas they so often encounter. Sections of the publication cover the following: the purpose of the publication; judicial independence; integrity; diligence; equality; and impartiality, including judicial demeanour, civic and charitable activity, political activity, and conflicts of interest.

"Engaging and accessible, Exploring Criminal Justice introduces students to the realities of criminal justice in today's world. Drawing on case studies, media myths, and current controversies, Rick Ruddell critically examines the organization and function of the criminal justice system and the individuals, social values, and legal systems that shape these institutions. With extensive updates throughout―including the chapter on Youth Justice appearing in-text and a new chapter on Victimology online―this second edition encourages students to thoughtfully question and assess the forces shaping criminal justice in Canada today."--

"The eighth edition of Criminal Justice in Canada chronicles many of the proposed and actual changes in criminal justice, ranging from the decriminalization of cannabis to the landmark ruling in R. v. Jordan, regarding the right to be tried in a timely manner. As with each previous edition, updated content has made the book more informative, engaging, and accessible. Since criminal justice is an ever-evolving field of study, the shifting contexts of the social world will continue to impact and influence our criminal justice system and its policy responses."--