SOC 3730 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Paul Bernardo, Karla Homolka, Homicide
11 Mar 2014
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Burden of proof standard: beyond reasonable doubt. Prime duty: role is not to gain a conviction but to enforce the law and maintain and administer justice. The lawyers prime duty is not to seek a conviction. Two considerations: credibility: can show they can succeed at trail, maintained if acquittal rate is not substantial, confidence: shows confidence in the system. Want to focus on solid, convictable cases. Certain provinces crown can screen case before charges are laid. Decide what cases they want to throw out or get a plea for as many cases as possible. They can drop certain charges and not others. Evidence: is there sufficient evidence to convict this person. Priority cases: violent crime before property crime, second time offender over first time offender, gang related offenses, drunk driving, stranger before family. Factors influencing race race of suspect and relationship of victim play a role.
