Who’s Who in Canadian Courts AKA-Don’t be a jerk when we go to Court

What do you know about court? ●Probably not very much ● Most of what we see on TV comes from American Courts ●TV Cameras are banned from Canadian Courts ●Which means any picture you see comes from a sketch artist ● Twitter or texting?

What about the Gavel? NO! Dominic

What does the Court Look Like?

Supreme Court

Who does what? The Judge Are appointed by the Federal government Must act without bias, and must not have preconceived ideas about the trial before the case Have total control over the court They can exclude the public or even the accused to administer justice Decide what is admissible and not Decide credibility of witnesses Justice of the Peace-First appearance court, bail hearings, arrest warrants

What if the Judge gets mad at me?

The Crown Attorney Sits on the right side of the Judge Crime is considered to be an act against society, governments hire lawyers to represent all citizens-does not represent victim The burden of proof is always on the Crown, and must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Must disclose all available evidence whether they plan to introduce it or not. Crowns don’t win or lose! The defense must be given an opportunity to answer all charges The Crown is able to withdraw or stay charges Discretion over what charges are put forward Discretion over plea agreements

Defence Counsel Represents the accused to ensure their rights are protected Accused may represent themselves in lower courts Special circumstances when the Crown does not want the accused to cross-examine the witness Advise clients on the law and provide advice regardless of personal feelings Allowed to cross-examine victim Does not have to call accused Speak second and offer defence to Crowns case

Court Clerk & Reporter The court clerk reads charges against the accused, handles evidence, and paperwork required by the court The Reporter sits near the witness to record every word of evidence or questions during the trial This is a critical job as any word could be used for an appeal

Other Officials? Probation officers help people who have been convicted rehabilitate and integrate into society Probation officers help people who have been convicted rehabilitate and integrate into society Elizabeth Fry Society-Advocates for womens rights Elizabeth Fry Society-Advocates for womens rights John Howard Society-Focuses on more humane punishments and roots of crime as opposed to crime itself John Howard Society-Focuses on more humane punishments and roots of crime as opposed to crime itself

Prisoners Box Is at the opposite side of the courtroom from the Crown-except in Plea Court Leads to the cells underneath the courthouse Away from the Witness Box so as not to intimidate people while they are testifying

Witness Stand

Where do I sit?

Courtroom Etiquette Enter and leave quietly Enter and leave quietly Speak Softly Speak Softly NO eating or drinking NO eating or drinking What if I am really hungry? What if I am really hungry? Don’t disturb proceedings Don’t disturb proceedings Absolutely no cell phones or IPODs Absolutely no cell phones or IPODs

What if I cant follow the rules? It was nice to meet you!!!