Law definitions Flashcards
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What’s Criminal Code
The body of him of public law that defines crimes & prescribes punishments
What’s Criminal offense
An action, omission, or state of mind being that is considered a crime, as defined in the Criminal Code or other criminal statute
Criminalize
To make a behavior a criminal offense in the Criminal Code or other criminal statute
Decriminalize
To make a behavior that was illegal punishable only by fines
Legalize
To make an act completely legal by removing it from the Criminal Code or other Criminal Statute
Procedural Justice
Fairness in the processes that resolve disputes
Impartiality
A principle that judicial decisions should be based on objective criteria and free from bias or conflicts of interest.
Enact
To pass a proposed law into legislation
Amend
To change existing legislations
Prosecute
To initiate & carry out legal action
Summary Conviction Offense
A minor criminal offense with less severe punishments, which is usually tried soon after the charge is laid (summarily) without a preliminary hearing or jury (Ex: Bullying). Max Penalty is up to $2000 in fines, or 6 months in jail and there is a 6 month limitation period to lay a charge.
Indictable Offense
A serious criminal offense with a severe penalty, proceeding by way of a formal court document called an indictment (Ex: Robbery or Murder). There is no statute of limitations and the Criminal Code sets a maximum penalty for each offense.
Hybrid Offense
A criminal offense proceeding by of a summary conviction or an indictable offense where the Crown decides which way to proceed (Ex: Impaired Driving). Until a decision is made, hybrid offenses remain indictable. Penalty can be from 2 years imprisonment to 10 years.
Statute of Limitations
A time limit imposed by law within which a specific action must be taken
Willful Blindless
The act of deliberately choosing to ignore certain facts or information
recklessness
A state of acting carelessly without regard for the consequences of one’s actions
Criminal negligence
reckless disregard for the lives and safety of other people
motive
the reason for commiting a certain act
attempt
an act done with the intent to commit a criminal offense without success
conspiracy
an agreement between 2 people or more people to commit an unlawful act
aiding
assisting someone to commit an criminal offense
abetting
encouraging or urging another person to commit a crime
acessory after the fact
someone who knows that a crime has been commited & who helps the person who committed the crime to hide or escape from police
principal offender
the one whose act is the most immediate cause of the actus reus (peperutator of the offense)
