section 269.1(4)

INTRODUCTION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Statements obtained as a result of committing an offence under Section 269.1 are inadmissible except as evidence of how they were obtained.

SECTION WORDING

269.1(4) In any proceedings over which Parliament has jurisdiction, any statement obtained as a result of the commission of an offence under this section is inadmissible in evidence, except as evidence that the statement was so obtained.

EXPLANATION

Section 269.1(4) of the Criminal Code of Canada deals with the admissibility of statements obtained as a result of the commission of an offence under this section. This section relates to offences where a person is kidnapped, unlawfully confined, or subjected to forcible confinement. In such cases, the accused person is in breach of this section of the Criminal Code. This section makes it clear that any statement obtained as a result of the commission of an offence under this section is inadmissible in evidence. This means that the statement cannot be used as evidence in court to prove that the accused committed the offence. However, the statement may still be used as evidence to show that it was obtained through an illegal means, such as coercion or torture. The purpose of this provision is to protect the rights of the accused and to ensure that any evidence obtained through illegal means is excluded from the trial. This ensures that the accused receives a fair trial and that the evidence presented in court is reliable and trustworthy. In summary, section 269.1(4) of the Criminal Code of Canada sets out the rules for the admissibility of statements obtained as a result of an offence under this section. It provides protection to the accused and ensures that any evidence obtained through illegal means is excluded from the trial.

COMMENTARY

Section 269.1(4) of the Criminal Code of Canada deals with the admissibility of statements obtained as a result of an offence under this section. This section is related to the offence of hostage-taking, which is a serious crime that involves capturing or holding a person captive for the purpose of obtaining a benefit or to facilitate the commission of another crime. The purpose of this provision is to prohibit the use of any statements obtained by using force, threats, or other coercive methods in the course of investigating a hostage-taking offence. This is because such methods are deemed to be in violation of the fundamental rights and freedoms of the captured person, including the right to remain silent and the right against self-incrimination. Therefore, any statement obtained through such means is considered to be unreliable, tainted, and inadmissible in court. However, it is important to note that this provision does not completely exclude the use of such statements in the court of law. Instead, it only allows their use as evidence that the statement was obtained through illegal means. This means that if a statement is obtained through illegal means, but the accused person voluntarily repeats the statement to the police, that statement may still be used in the proceeding as evidence. Furthermore, this provision provides a measure of protection for individuals who have been victims of hostage-taking. It prevents the authorities from using any statement obtained by forcefully questioning such individuals, thus protecting their rights against any further harm. Additionally, the treatment of suspects during an investigation is crucial to ensure a fair and impartial trial. The use of force, coercion, or other methods that violate the fundamental human rights of suspects can render a trial unfair, and it does not align with the principles of justice and due process. In conclusion, the admissibility of statements obtained from a hostage taking offence under section 269.1(4) of the Criminal Code of Canada is necessary for upholding the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals, and to ensure a fair and impartial trial. With this provision, the statement obtained illegally can be evidence of illegal means of obtaining it, and not evidence of its veracity. Therefore, it is a necessary provision in the Criminal Code of Canada, which embodies the principles of justice and due process.

STRATEGY

Section 269.1(4) of the Criminal Code of Canada stipulates that any statement obtained as a result of the commission of an offense under this section is inadmissible in evidence, except as evidence that the statement was so obtained. This section pertains to hostage-taking and related offenses, and its application has significant implications for law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and defense lawyers. One of the most significant strategic considerations when dealing with this section is the potential impact on the prosecution's case. If the statement obtained from the accused is inadmissible, it can significantly weaken the prosecution's case, as it may have relied on that statement to establish the accused's guilt. Therefore, prosecutors must be meticulous in ensuring that they do not rely solely on statements obtained from the accused, but instead gather sufficient evidence to establish a case without recourse to those statements. This may involve carrying out additional investigations or using alternative evidence-gathering methods, such as forensic analysis or witness testimony. Defense lawyers, on the other hand, may use this section to their advantage. If they can establish that a statement was obtained as a result of an offense under this section, they can argue for its inadmissibility. Furthermore, this section can provide a framework for arguing against the prosecution's evidence-gathering methods, such as coerced confessions or other forms of interrogation that may have crossed ethical or legal boundaries. By having a critical understanding of this section, defense lawyers can scrutinize the prosecution's case and mount a robust defense strategy. Another strategic consideration is the potential impact on negotiations. Negotiating with hostage-takers can be a delicate and complex undertaking, and this section can significantly impact the outcome of such negotiations. For example, if law enforcement officers have used unlawful methods to obtain a statement from the hostage-taker, such as coercion or torture, that statement may be inadmissible under this section. As a result, it may be challenging for law enforcement officers to use that statement as leverage during negotiations. Therefore, law enforcement officers must be aware of the implications of this section when interacting with hostage-takers and crafting negotiation strategies. Overall, understanding section 269.1(4) of the Criminal Code of Canada is vital for law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and defense lawyers who deal with charges related to hostage-taking and associated offenses. By having a comprehensive understanding of this section, these professionals can employ strategies that minimize the impact of this section and employ alternative evidence-gathering methods that can support a robust case. As a result, it is critical to have a thorough understanding of the strategic implications of this section of the Criminal Code when dealing with such cases.