Criminal Justice

Publication produced by Student Legal Services of Edmonton.

This publication provides step-by-step general information about what is involved in going to Provincial Court in Alberta (now the Alberta Court of Justice).

This online version of a book produced by the John Howard Society of Alberta outlines the pardon application process. It also answers 20 frequently asked questions about pardons.

This online resource is from the Government of Alberta and provides information on initiatives and programs currently underway in Alberta through partnerships between the Alberta Solicitor General, Alberta Justice and Aboriginal communities, groups and organizations, as well as other topics of interest regarding Aboriginal justice.

The Court of Queen’s Bench is the Superior Trial Court for the Province, hearing trials in civil and criminal matters and appeals from decisions of the Provincial Court. The Chief Justice and other Justices of the Court of Queen’s Bench are also judges of Surrogate Matters, which has jurisdiction over probate and administration of estate matters. This website provides access to the forms needed for the Court of Queen’s Bench.

The Alberta Fine Option Program enables offenders to work off fines rather than making cash payments or going to jail. It is available to offenders who are 18 years or older. In Edmonton the program is run by the City of Edmonton. A similar program is available through City of Calgary Social Services to young offenders under the age of 18 years. In order to be eligible for the Fine Option Program you must be able to work in Canada. All placements are made through the Alberta Justice Fine Option Program. If you require assistance call the Alberta Fine Option Program at 780-422-0730.

Albertans affected by family violence can get help through the government and community organizations located across the province.

Alberta, like all Canadian jurisdictions, has provincial sanctions that apply to impaired driving in addition to criminal penalties imposed by the courts under the Criminal Code of Canada. Federal penalties for impaired driving can include driving prohibitions, fines, jail time and participation in an ignition interlock program.

The Alberta Resotrative Justice Association (ARJA) is a group of organizations and individuals who practice Restorative Justice. The Association supports existing and new Restortaive Justice initiatives in Alberta.

A publication of Student Legal Services of Edmonton. It covers: What Does It Mean To Be “Stopped” vs “Detained” vs”Arrested”?, When Can Police Stop Me?, What Are My Rights If I Am Stopped By The Police?, When Could You Be Arrested, What Are My Rights If Arrested Or Detained By Police.

This online resource is from the Student Legal Services of Edmonton. Includes information about: What is Assault?, Intent, Consent, Self-Defence, Legal Options Available to the Victim, and Self-Referral Numbers. This resource is also available for download as a PDF (6 pgs)..

As a provincial umbrella organization, the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services focuses its efforts on raising awareness of issues involving sexual abuse and sexual assault and on ensuring that Albertans have access to help. The member agencies of AASAS are responsible for day-to-day, front-line delivery of services. The AASAS website provides detailed information on the member agencies, current projects, and resources and information on sexual assault in Canada.

The mission of the Centre is to work with others to empower people to move from poverty to prosperity. They enable people to meet their own basic daily needs, participate in community, have sustainable livelihoods, feel hope for the future and make plans for a prosperous life. The Centre offers a variety of programs which include victims services and advocacy.

This booklet provides information on the rules and regulations enacted by cities and provincial law with regard to tickets and fines.

The Calgary John Howard Society’s vision is to promote positive change through humane, just, and informed responses to crime and its effects. The organization provides programs for both adults and youth involved in the criminal justice system, or who are at risk for becoming involved in the criminal justice system.

The Canadian Inventory of Restorative Justice Programs and Services, maintained by Correctional Service Canada, is intended to help victims, offenders and the general public locate programs that teach, advocate, promote, conduct research, provide services or develop/produce resources and provide training related to Restorative Justice (RJ). The inventory is organized by geographic scope and includes a variety of regional programs plus listings for Academic Courses and Programs.

Catholic Social Services is a multi-function social service agency that serves people of all faiths and cultures throughout central Alberta. Founded in 1961, the agency has grown to deliver more than 100 programs.CSS is divided into Service and Program areas offered in five distinct Regions throughout central and northeast Alberta

A multipurpose website operated by the Youth Engagement Section of the RCMP. Discusses many youth-related topics including diversity, drugs, violence, health & safety, and internet safety. Includes a section for educators, parents, and adults who work with youth.

Through the Criminology Information Service (CIS), the Centre provides professional and innovative solutions to criminal justice communities worldwide. The CIS houses the leading Canadian research collection of criminological material, consisting of more than 25.000 books, journals, government reports, statistics and other documents, which can be accessed in person or electronically via the World Wide Web. The information covers a wide range of subject areas, including public and private policing; violence deviance and social control; young offenders; criminology, and criminal law.

This is a service provided by the Alberta Office of the Child and Youth Advocate.

The LRCY provides lawyers for children and youth in child intervention matters. Anyone can make a request for a lawyer for a young person. A court order is not needed. Call the LRCY office at 1.800.661.3446

This section of the Government of Alberta: Children and Families website offers services, supports and resources to protect children and youth from harmful situations.

The Child Witness Court Preparation Program is operated by The Canadian Society for the Investigation of Child Abuse (CSICA), which is an organization committed to supporting those victims, witnesses and their families involved in the investigation of child abuse. There is information on this site for kids, parents and facilitators.

The Church Council on Justice and Corrections is a national, non-partisan, faith-based coalition, rooted in the Christian tradition. Through research, projects, workshops and presentations, the CCJC promotes education on restorative justice and sponsors initiatives to build healthier and safer communities.

The Cornell Death Penalty Project is an undertaking of the Cornell Law School. The Project sponsors two clinics that provide students with the opportunity to assist in the representation of capital defendants, both at trial and at various stages of the appeals process. The Project also sponsors periodic symposia related to capital punishment, and in addition, conducts empirical research on jury decision making in capital cases.

The Criminal Code of Canada (C-46) provided by the Department of Justice Canada. This Act is also available to download as a PDF.

Criminal justice process for adults. The chart flows from top to bottom unless indicated otherwise.

Chart describing criminal justice process for youth.

LawNow is a bi-monthly digital public legal education magazine which has been published by the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta for almost 40 years. Its articles and columns are written in plain language and take a practical look at how the law relates to the every day lives of Canadians.In each issue, LawNow’s criminal law column takes a look at a specific topic in this area of law and explains it clearly and concisely.

This guide provides key resources related to Impaired Driving Offences in Canada. It also includes materials dealing with non-criminal impaired driving offences within the legislation of the province of Alberta. Topics in this guide include:

• Defences
• Evidentiary issues
• Impaired driving devices
• Sentencing/Penalties

This website section from the RCMP explains the process for getting a criminal record check. You may need a criminal record check for various purposes, including: employment, adoption, international travel, volunteer work, citizenship, name change, student placement or to obtain a record suspension (formerly pardon).

Edmonton John Howard Society is a not-for-profit, community-based crime prevention agency. They provide assistance to people in conflict with the law, their families, those who have the potential to be in conflict with the law, and victims of crime. Their work to eradicate the root causes of crime helps build safety and harmony in communities. The Edmonton John Howard Society works to promote a better understanding of the Criminal Justice System and the consequences of breaking the law.

The mission of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Edmonton is to foster the dignity and worth of women who come into conflict with the law, and help them live as valued members of their communities. They are a not-for-profit organization that has existed in Edmonton since 1977. The society offers a variety of programs for women and girls including a legal clinic. The Legal Clinic Program assists federally sentenced women at Edmonton Institute for Women by addressing their legal needs.

The mission of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Edmonton is to foster the dignity and worth of women who come into conflict with the law, and help them live as valued members of their communities. They are a not-for-profit organization that has existed in Edmonton since 1977. The society offers a variety of programs for women and girls including a legal clinic. The Legal Clinic Program assists federally sentenced women at Edmonton Institute for Women by addressing their legal needs.

The Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime (OFOVC) is an independent resource for victims in Canada. Victims can contact the Office to learn more about their rights under federal law and the services available to them, or to make a complaint about any federal agency or federal legislation dealing with victims of crime. In addition the Office works to ensure that policy makers are aware of victims’ needs and concerns. Website includes information about victims’ rights in Canada and types of victim services as well as frequently asked questions and publications.

This information is provided by Calgary Legal Guidance. It is directed at individuals who are making their irst appearance in the adult Criminal Division of Provincial Court.

This booklet provides information to explain the assistance provided by the Government of Canada through the Consular Services of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada in Ottawa, and through Canadian diplomatic and consular offices abroad. Canadian consular officials have extensive experience, understand how difficult the situation can be and are there to provide advice and assistance. Available to read online or download as a PDF.

These handbooks developed by the Canadian Judicial Council are intended as helpful guides for people who are navigating the justice system without a lawyer to prepare and present their legal case. The Council has created three handbooks that contain a wealth of information on family law, civil law and criminal law in Canada. The information is provided in an easy to understand format, with various worksheets, useful tips, explanations of legal terms and concrete examples to guide litigants throughout the legal process.

To view the handbooks, click on the links below:

• Civil Law Handbook
• Criminal Law Handbook
• Family Law Handbook

To view all resources of the Canadian Judicial Council see: https://cjc-ccm.ca/en/resources-centre

This tipsheet is produced by the Stride Advocacy Project. The Project works to strengthen community based advocacy that relates and navigates systems and institutions while creating “access without fear” spaces for marginalized and low income Edmontonians.

This section of the website of Alberta Solicitor General and Public Security provides information on victim impact statements, financial benefits program, restitution for victims of crime and answers to common questions as well as links to related agencies. The Victims of Crime Act establishes: The authority to collect a surcharge on provincial statute offences; Defined principles regarding the treatment of victims; Financial benefits for victims; and a grants program with respect to programs that benefit victims of crime.

Youth Society is a non-profit organization that helps Edmonton youth at risk through the arts. Edmonton youth come to iHuman through a number of agencies, prisons, programs, and other referrals, as well as through iHuman’s outreach workers. From intake to addiction treatment, the team provides youth with experienced support, medical and dental care, and connections to various social services.
 

This booklet outlines some basic information you must be aware of if you plead not guilty to an offence and are planning to represent yourself without a lawyer at your trial. It also provides some advice on how to find a lawyer.

This booklet explains what happens during the criminal trial process. This information will help you prepare for your trial if you don’t have a lawyer. If you choose to represent yourself, you are
still subject to the law, including rules of procedure and the laws of evidence.

The International Juvenile Justice Observatory, with its headquarters in Brussels, was founded in 2002 with the goal of encouraging a global juvenile justice without borders. Activities include promotion of legal instruments and strategies on an international level, participation in research projects, the development of training actions and the holding of congresses and conferences.

The John Howard Society of Alberta is a non-profit agency concerned with the problem of crime and its prevention. The organization takes its name and spirit from the 18th century humanitarian John Howard, whose name has become a symbol of humane consideration for prisoners. It was incorporated in 1949, and today the organization consists of six separately incorporated districts along with the Provincial Office. The website provides information about the services available in each of these districts.

The John Howard Society is a network of offices across Canada and the Northwest Territories committed to “effective, just and humane responses to the causes and consequences of crime.” They work with people who have come into conflict with the law, advocate for changes in the criminal justice process, engage in public education on matters relating to criminal law and promote crime prevention through community and social development activities. The website provides access to information about the services in each province.

Justice for Girls (JFG) is a non-profit organization from British Columbia that promotes freedom from violence, social justice and equality for teenage girls who live in poverty. JFG programs include: Criminal Justice Monitoring Program, Advocacy Program, Young Women’s Internship Program and Public Education Activities.

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association has put together this manual to help you know what you must do, what you do not have to do and what you may wish to do in situations involving the police. The final section lists sources for making a complaint about the police for each province and territory in Canada. (PDF – 12 pages) 

Established in 1947, the Lethbridge John Howard Society focuses on programs primarily in the fields of justice, corrections and social issues. Their mandate is to respond to the problems of crime, to work with people in conflict with the law, to advocate for change in the criminal justice process when needed and to engage in public legal education. Services are provided to assist clients with a variety of needs. These include information on legal issues, assistance with pardon applications, and referrals to other community agencies and services

This online publication is from the Student Legal Services of Edmonton. Includes information about: hate crimes, vandalism of war memorials, dangerous acts or ommissions, and possession of a device designed to committ mischief.

The Latin American Community Council and MOSAIC, in partnership, have implemented this online multilingual legal resource to provide comprehensive and critical legal information in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Korean, Persian, Punjabi, Spanish and Vietnamese to Canadian newcomers and community workers in British Columbia.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD Canada) is a charitable, grassroots organization that is committed to stopping impaired driving and supporting the victims/survivors of this violent crime. Website includes a resource library of publications relevant to victims.

The NCECC functions as the point of contact for investigations related to the sexual exploitation of children on the Internet in Canada.

Organized Crime is one of five strategic priorities established by the RCMP. It is defined by Canada’s Criminal Code as crime committed by any group of at least three people that has as one of its main purposes or activities the facilitation or commission of one or more serious offences where the primary motive is profit.

A publication of Student Legal Services of Edmonton. It covers pardons, record suspensions and how to apply for a record suspension with the Parole board of Canada (PBC).

The Parole Board of Canada (PBC), as part of the criminal justice system, makes independent, quality conditional release and record suspension decisions and clemency recommendations. The Board contributes to the protection of society by facilitating as appropriate, the timely reintegration of offenders as law-abiding citizens.

This online video from the Parole Board of Canada (PBC) shows victims how a parole hearing works and directs victims to other Board information, such as their website and toll-free victim information line. The PBC believes victims should, if they choose, have a role in the conditional release process. This openness and transparency supports their public safety mandate.

The Policy Centre for Victim Issues, a division of the Department of Justice Canada, implements the Federal Victim Strategy the objective of which is to give victims of crime a more effective voice in the criminal justice system. We develop policy and criminal law reform, administer the Victims Fund, and broadly share information about issues of importance to victims of crime. Publications include a crime victims’ guide to the criminal justice system and Victim Services Directory.

This report was prepared by the Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre discusses the rights of adults (persons who are 18 years or older) who have been accused or convicted of crimes and are either being held in custody in Alberta jails or correctional institutions or being supervised in the community by correctional authorities (for example, those released on bail, parole or other forms of conditional release).

Public Safety Canada was created in 2003 to ensure coordination across all federal departments and agencies responsible for national security and the safety of Canadians. Their mandate is to keep Canadians safe from a range of risks such as natural disasters, crime and terrorism. Public Safety Canada works with five agencies and three review bodies, united in a single portfolio and all reporting to the same minister. Areas of concern are national security, border strategies, countering crime and emergency management issues.

This fact sheet from the Parole Board of Canada explains the process for getting a record suspension (formerly known as a pardon). A record suspension allows people who were convicted of a criminal offence, but have completed their sentence and demonstrated they are law-abiding citizens, to have their criminal record kept separate and apart from other criminal records.

This information on reporting fraud is prepared by the Edmonton Police Service. It provides information on how to report a fraud to the police when you’re a victim

Created and maintained by the University of Toronto Centre of Criminology Library, this database includes citations to academic and practitioner literature from 1970 to the present. It is updated and maintained on a regular basis and presently includes more than 1,400 records.

In this short online resource, Éducaloi explains your rights during an arrest, your right to a lawyer and your right to remain silent.

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms ensures that your rights are protected during an arrest. Police officers cannot arrest you at will; they must obey certain rules. They may need to get a warrant from the court to arrest you or enter your home. The police must carefully consider the particular circumstances surrounding every single arrest. In this Infosheet, Éducaloi explains your rights during an arrest and your right to a lawyer.

Publication produced by Student Legal Services of Edmonton.

Includes information about: The Case Is Called; The Trial Begins; The Exclusion Order; The Crown’s Case; The Defence’s Case; Submissions; Decision; Vocabulary.

This online publication is from the Student Legal Services of Edmonton. Includes information about: related offences, escort agencies, public indecency, getting arrested for prostitution charges, the Sex Trade Offender Program, and the protection of sexually exploited children.

This online publication from Department of Justice Canada describes the nature of stalking and ways of dealing with it. It can also be downloaded as a PDF and is available in four different languages (French, Mandarin, Punjabi and Spanish) by using the “Back to Publications” link and scrolling down the page (PDF – 20 pgs. 2003)

This online tutorial created by the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta provides information about the structure of a trial after making a criminal complaint.

Legal education publications on this site cover the following topics: assault, parole, possession of controlled drugs and substance, criminal trials, driver’s license suspensions, guilty pleas and sentencing, and impaired driving.

If you have been charged with an offence, SLS’s volunteer law student caseworkers are able to act as your agent (representative) in the Provincial Court of Alberta. SLS caseworkers act under the supervision of advising lawyers. The program can help low income Albertans  SLS provides information on assault, impaired driving, driver’s license suspenstion arrest warrants jaywalking tickets, traffice offences, pardons and criminal record suspension and more…

This LawNow.org article discusses how to talk to the police and includes a number of resources to dive deeper into the topic.

This online tutorial created by the Legal Resource Centre explains on what it’s like in a criminal courtroom. There are often many people in a courtroom. Knowing who is who, what each person’s role is, and what is expected of you as a witness should help you understand what is going on around you.

The Jack and Mae Nathanson Centre on Transnational Human Rights, Crime and Security (formerly the Jack and Mae Nathanson Centre for the Study of Organized Crime and Corruption) studies transnational phenomena and normative issues at the intersections of crime, security and human rights, including legal regulation and intelligence governance in relation to terrorism and counter-terrorism. As a continuation of the former mandate of the Centre, special emphasis is placed on a transnational crime research node.

This online resource is from the Student Legal Services of Edmonton. Includes information about: What is Theft?; Defences to a Charge of Theft; Options once a Person has been Charged; Alternative Measures and Victim Offender Mediation Programs; What is Fraud?; What is the Offence of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime?; The Criminal Code Definition of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime. This resource is also available for download as a PDF.

You have been charged with a traffic offense. Now what? This Student Legal Services booklet answers this question and more.

There are several types of trespassing; however, this pamphlet focuses on how “trespass” is commonly used and understood as being in relation to property. The pamphlet answers the questions: What is trespass and when does it occur, what are the potential consequences of getting caught,, and what ar ethe laws regarding trespassing, to name just a few.

The Victim Justice Network is a non-profit national organization whose mission is to establish an online-based network to better serve and support victims of crime. One of its objectives is to promote public awareness and public education on issues of importance to victims of crime.

The Victim Services Directory helps connect individuals with victim service providers across Canada. The Victim Services Directory (VSD) has been created by the Policy Centre for Victim Issues of the Department of Justice Canada to help service providers, victims and individuals locate services for victims of crime across Canada.

This publication from Alberta Solicitor General and Public Security is meant to be a useful reference for people who are victims of crime. The protocol outlines what you can expect throughout the criminal justice process, from the time you report a crime through the police investigation, court proceedings and, if the accused is found guilty, provincial and federal corrections and the National Parole Board. The protocol also tells what is expected of you and what else you can do when you are in contact with the criminal justice system.

The Victim’s Portal is a secure website where registered victims may obtain information about the federal offenders who harmed them.  Victims may use the Portal in addition to, or instead of, the current methods of communication by phone and mail.  The Portal will also allow registered victims to manage their information and preferences online.

This online publication is provided by the Government of Alberta and is divided into sections including: You’ve been charged… now what?; Duty Counsel; If you don’t have a lawyer; How do you get a lawyer?; Legal Aid; Other Services; Where will the trial be?; Pleading guilty; Getting ready for trial when you have pled not guilty; What happens in court?; and Sentencing.

These “How old do I have to be?” FAQs are provided by the Canadian Legal FAQs, a website of the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta. They provide answers for youth about age-related issues under various topics: family, criminal, medical and health related, legal and financial, activities (such as driving), school and work.

The youth justice system affects individuals between the ages of 12 and 17 who get into trouble with the law. The goal of the Department of Justice is to ensure a fair and effective youth justice system. This website provides information on the Youth Criminal Justice Act and links to tools and resources for the classroom.

This Department of Justice Canada resource outlines the different rules that apply to youth records. It discusses issues such as when the record will be destroyed, who has access to the file, the impact it may have on work and travel and information about getting a pardon. There is also a chart outlining when, or if, the record will be destroyed. Also may be downloaded as a PDF.

The Youth Restorative Action Project is a Youth Justice Committee sanctioned under the new Youth Criminal Justice Act. It is the first YJC mandated to work in youth court with young people who have caused harm as a result of hate crimes and significant social issues YRAP is also the first such committee to be comprised entirely of Youth Members, and takes a unique approach to achieving the goals of Restorative Justice. YRAP also collaborates on projects promoting justice equality and rights for all youth, particularly youth at risk and new Canadians.