Glossary
In Criminal Law, Family Law, Wills and Powers of Attorney
When a document is “commissioned”, it is signed in front of a commissioner of oaths. A commissioner of oaths has the power to certify a document that presents what someone says is true, such as an affidavit.
In Criminal Law
A committal after a preliminary hearing means that the judge has decided that there is some evidence that a judge or jury could use to convict you at a trial. You will be ordered to stand trial in the Superior Court of Justice.
In Criminal Law
This is a person who alleges that they are the victim of a criminal offence. For example, in an assault case, the complainant is the person who says they were assaulted.
In Criminal Law
A conditional discharge is a type of sentence. A conditional discharge means that the court found you guilty, but you do not get a criminal record. Part of your sentence will include probation for up to 3 years. Your probation will require you to follow specific conditions. If you do not, you might get a criminal record and a tougher sentence or be charged with another criminal offence. A sentence is the punishment that the court gives you if you’re found guilty. Conditional discharges are automatically removed from the Canadian Police Information Centre computer system 3 years after the court’s decision.
In Criminal Law
A conditional sentence is a type of sentence that you might get if you’re convicted of a crime. If you get a conditional sentence, you do not go to jail. Instead, you serve time in the community on house arrest.
In Criminal Law
A conviction is a type of criminal sentence that includes a permanent criminal record.
If a judge or jury finds you guilty of a crime, the judge decides your sentence. The judge can either convict you or discharge you.
But if you’re a young person under age 18, the judge is not allowed to convict you. They can only give you a youth sentence.
If the judge convicts you, the judge will give you a punishment like a fine, probation, or jail time. You’ll also have a permanent criminal record.
If the judge gives you an absolute discharge, you’ll have no punishment and no criminal record. You are free to go.
If the judge gives you a conditional discharge, you’ll have no punishment but you’ll have to follow certain rules until the conditional discharge is finished. The conditional discharge can last for up to 3 years. You will have a temporary criminal record until the conditional discharge is finished.
In Criminal Law
A correctional officer is someone who is responsible for the safety, security, and supervision of people serving sentences of 2 years or more in federal prison.
In Criminal Law
A daily list of all the cases that will be addressed in the courtroom on that day. It is usally posted on the courtroom door.
In Criminal Law
A court order is a decision made by a judge or justice of the peace. It may require you to do or not do something for a period of time. If you do not follow the court order, there could be legal consequences, including being charged with a criminal offence.
In Criminal Law
This is a criminal offence. It is a serious criminal offence to cause someone to fear for their safety by:
- repeatedly follow someone from place to place
- repeatedly communicating with someone, directly or indirectly
- watching the home, or place where a person lives, works, or happens to be, or
- engaging in threatening conduct directed at someone or a member of their family
If you are convicted, you can be sentenced to up to 10 years in jail.