Law 2101 Chapter Notes - Chapter 5: Duty Counsel, Summary Offence
Document Summary
Law that sets the rules as to how criminal offences can be investigated, prosecuted &tried. Initiated by complaint from a member of the public or a result of the police detecting evidence. Police given broad powers of investigation: law of criminal procedure seeks to constrain exercise of these powers so that. Police get to decide if charges will be laid, people don"t get to veto. Responsibility rests with the crown attorney"s offices (cid:523)lawyers paid by the gov"t(cid:524) Crown attorney"s have multi-faceted role: review charges to see if prosecution is warranted, power to w/draw charges, prepare the case for trial, present the allegedly incriminating evidence in court. Ultimate goal is to see that justice is done: can mean they will encourage acquittal of accused. Must disclose to accused beforehand any evidence that is going to be used. 2 trial courts: ontario court of justice, superior court of justice.
