SOC 1500 Chapter Notes - Chapter 7: Youth Criminal Justice Act, Drug Courts In The United States, Drug Court

• School: University of Guelph
• Department: Sociology
• Course: SOC 1500
• Professor: Stephanie Howells

Document Summary

The structure and operation of the criminal courts. The criminal courts play an important, multifaceted role in canada"s criminal justice system. There seems to mystery about what the courts do because the activities of the crown and defence lawyers are much less visible than the activities of the police. Cases are more complex than ever as legal issues are more challenging due to the charter of the. The courts are responsible for determining the guilt or innocence of accused persons and for imposing an appropriate sentence on those who are convicted. They are also responsible for ensuring that the rights of accused persons are protected. The principle of judicial independence is viewed as essential to the proper functioning of the courts. This principle holds that citizens have the right to have their cases tried by tribunals that are fair, impartial and immune from political interference.