section 32(5)

INTRODUCTION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

The legality of an order is determined by law under section 32(5) of the Criminal Code of Canada.

SECTION WORDING

32(5) For the purposes of this section, the question whether an order is manifestly unlawful or not is a question of law.

EXPLANATION

Section 32(5) of the Criminal Code of Canada provides guidance on the question of whether an order is manifestly unlawful or not. This section is particularly relevant to criminal cases, where the legality of orders given by government officials or other authorities may come under scrutiny. At its core, this section clarifies that the question of whether an order is manifestly unlawful or not is a question of law. What this means is that judges and other legal professionals are responsible for assessing the legality of orders, rather than leaving it up to interpretation or personal opinion. The term "manifestly" is significant here, as it suggests that the unlawfulness of an order should be clear or obvious to all parties involved. This means that judges are not required to make subjective assessments or to consider complex legal arguments in determining whether an order is unlawful. Rather, they should be able to assess whether an order violates established legal principles or conflicts with other laws. In practical terms, this section has significant implications for criminal defendants who may be subject to illegal orders from authorities. If an order is deemed to be manifestly unlawful, a defendant may have grounds for challenging it in court. By providing clear guidelines for determining the legality of orders, this section helps to ensure that defendants are not subject to arbitrary or unlawful actions by authorities.

COMMENTARY

Section 32(5) of the Criminal Code of Canada plays a crucial role in the justice system. It sets forth that whether an order is manifestly unlawful or not is a question of law. This provision is essential because it clarifies the process for determining whether an order is unlawful or not. It ensures that judges have clear guidelines to follow while assessing the lawfulness of an order. The concept of manifestly unlawful order implies that the order is so obviously and blatantly illegal that a reasonable person, without any legal training, can recognize the illegality of the order. Therefore, the provision leaves no room for interpretation or discretion by judges. The judges must follow specific guidelines in assessing an order's legality, and they cannot use their judgment to decide whether an order is manifestly unlawful or not. The provision is based on the foundational principle of the rule of law. As per this principle, everyone must be subject to the law's authority, and no one can be above the law. This provision ensures that even the authority figures, such as police officers or government officials, cannot exercise their power excessively or in an unlawful manner. Even if they have the authority to issue orders, they are equally responsible for following the law's principles. The provision also plays a crucial role in safeguarding the constitutional rights of the citizens. The Canadian Constitution guarantees several fundamental rights and freedoms to its citizens. Any order that infringes upon these rights and freedoms is manifestly unlawful, and it is the judge's duty to declare it so. The provision ensures that such unlawful orders are not enforced, and the citizens' rights are protected. Additionally, the provision also promotes transparency and accountability in the justice system. If a judge declares an order manifestly unlawful, it becomes a matter of public record. This ensures that any unlawful orders issued by those in positions of power are scrutinized and held accountable. It creates a deterrent effect for anyone who may be tempted to abuse their power. In conclusion, section 32(5) of the Criminal Code of Canada is a crucial provision that ensures that orders issued by those in positions of power are not above the law's purview. It provides clear guidelines for judges to determine the order's lawfulness and ensures that any unconstitutional orders are invalidated. The provision plays a crucial role in upholding the rule of law, protecting the constitutional rights of citizens, and promoting transparency and accountability in the justice system.

STRATEGY

Section 32(5) of the Criminal Code of Canada contains an important provision for defendants facing charges related to unlawful orders. This provision states that the question of whether an order is manifestly unlawful or not is a question of law. In other words, it is up to the court to determine whether an order given to a defendant was clearly and obviously illegal. This provision can have significant implications for the outcome of a criminal case, and defendants and their attorneys must be aware of its strategic considerations. One strategic consideration when dealing with this section of the Criminal Code of Canada is the importance of identifying and challenging unlawful orders early in the legal process. If a defendant can successfully argue that an order was manifestly unlawful, it can result in the charges against them being dismissed. This can save the defendant time, money, and stress, as well as preserving their record. However, it is crucial to make this argument early in the process, as waiting too long can result in forfeiting the right to challenge the order. Another strategic consideration is the need to present a clear and compelling argument for why an order was manifestly unlawful. This requires extensive research into the relevant case law and legal precedents, as well as a detailed understanding of the specific circumstances of the case. Defendants and their attorneys must be able to demonstrate to the court that the order in question was clearly illegal and violated their legal rights. This can involve presenting evidence, engaging expert witnesses, and making persuasive legal arguments. One effective strategy for challenging an unlawful order is to demonstrate that it was not authorized by law. For example, if an order was given by a police officer, it must have been authorized by legislation or common law. If a defendant can show that the order was not authorized in this way, it may be considered manifestly unlawful. Similarly, if an order was given by a superior officer in the military, it may be considered manifestly unlawful if it violated international laws or conventions. Another strategy is to challenge the order on the grounds that it violated the defendant's constitutional rights, such as their right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure or their right to freedom of expression. This can be an effective strategy in cases where the order was given in an attempt to suppress speech or other forms of political expression, as it may be considered a violation of fundamental human rights. Ultimately, the key to successfully navigating Section 32(5) of the Criminal Code of Canada is to have a thorough understanding of the law and a willingness to aggressively challenge unlawful orders. This requires a significant amount of legal expertise and strategic planning, as well as an unwavering commitment to defending one's legal rights. By carefully considering the strategic implications of this provision, defendants and their attorneys can take the necessary steps to build a compelling case and achieve a favorable outcome.