SOSC 2652 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Nulla Poena Sine Lege, Actus Reus, Precedent

• School: York University
• Department: Social Science
• Course: SOSC 2652
• Professor: Paul Baxter

Document Summary

Justice is delivered timely by competent, ethical, and independent representatives and neutrals. Essentially: no one is above the law, all are bound by the law, all are entitled to protection, and the law should be observed/enforced equally. Can be traced back to the magna carta - the basis for the foundation of english and. Its principles of the rule of law and influence can be seen in the canadian. Guarantees fundamental freedoms, legal and equality rights, protection, fairness during legal proceedings, etc. All components of the criminal justice system must not violate the guaranteed rights. Public law that deals with conduct that is considered so harmful to society that it is prohibited by statute, prosecuted, and punished by the government. Functions of criminal law: a mechanism of social control, maintains order, defines the parameters of acceptable behaviour, reduces the risk of personal retaliation, assists in general and specific deterrence, criminalizes behaviour, protects group interests.