CC102 Chapter Notes - Chapter 7: Judicial Independence, Canadian Judicial Council
Document Summary
The structure and operation of the criminal courts. ~ criminal court system - (highest level to lowest) supreme court provincial and territorial. Courts of appeal provincial and territorial superior courts province and territorial. Courts & federal courts of appeal federal court. Responsibilities - determine guilt/innocence, impose sentence/ protect accused"s rights. Judicial independence - fair/impartial trials, no political interference. Reduce offending, use of acute care, and time in custody, improve life circumstances. Cost-effective, help long-term offenders; high rates of non-completion. Detailed documentation of offenders, effectiveness inconclusive, overrepresentation continues. Problems - backlog of cases, time constraints, language/culture barriers. Difficulties sentencing - balance between culturally relevant approaches and the rights and protection of victims. Trial - serious criminal offences (some have juries) Appeal - criminal appeals of verdict or sentence. Court of last resort, decisions are final. Decisions - often interpretations of charter of rights and freedoms or complicated issues in private or public law.
