section 477.4(4)

INTRODUCTION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A certificate can be used as evidence in certain proceedings, but the court cannot force its production.

SECTION WORDING

477.4(4) A certificate referred to in subsection (3) is admissible in evidence in proceedings referred to in that subsection but its production cannot be compelled.

EXPLANATION

Section 477.4(4) of the Criminal Code of Canada is a provision that addresses the admissibility of certificates in a specific context. This section pertains to the production of certificates that are issued under subsection (3) of this provision, which allows certain documents to be treated as evidence in certain legal proceedings. More specifically, subsection (3) of this section empowers the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness to issue certificates that attest to the fact that certain activities, such as the interception of private communications or the disclosure of confidential information, were done in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. These certificates are referred to as "section 37 certificates" and they are intended to facilitate the use of intercepted or disclosed information in criminal and national security proceedings. Section 477.4(4) confirms that these section 37 certificates are indeed admissible in the proceedings referred to in subsection (3), which include criminal proceedings, proceedings under the Security of Information Act, and proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act. However, this section also specifies that the production of these certificates cannot be compelled, which means that the certificate-holder cannot be forced to provide the certificate as evidence if they do not wish to do so. In essence, section 477.4(4) establishes the admissibility of section 37 certificates in certain legal proceedings, while also protecting the certificate-holder's right to privacy and confidentiality. By allowing certificate-holders to control the production of these certificates, this provision ensures that sensitive information is not disclosed without their consent and that the integrity of the legal process is respected.

COMMENTARY

Section 477.4(4) of the Criminal Code of Canada is an important provision that governs the use of certificates in criminal proceedings involving terrorist activities. Specifically, the section deals with the admissibility of certificates that are issued by the federal government in relation to the listing of individuals or entities as terrorists. Under subsection (3) of Section 477.4, the government may issue certificates to designate individuals or groups as terrorists. This designation can have significant legal consequences, such as freezing assets, restricting travel, and imposing criminal penalties. In addition, the certificate can be used as evidence in legal proceedings related to terrorist activities. However, Section 477.4(4) limits the circumstances under which certificates can be admitted as evidence. The provision states that certificates are admissible in proceedings related to terrorist activities, but their production cannot be compelled. This means that the prosecution cannot force the government to produce a certificate in court if the government chooses not to do so. The purpose of this limitation is to protect national security and prevent public disclosure of sensitive information. If the government were required to produce certificates in all cases, it could compromise ongoing investigations or disclose confidential information about intelligence gathering methods. Therefore, Section 477.4(4) strikes a balance between the need for transparency in legal proceedings and the need to protect sensitive information. Some critics have argued that Section 477.4(4) undermines the ability of defendants to mount an effective defense. If certificates cannot be challenged in court, defendants may be unable to cross-examine witnesses or challenge the basis for the designation as a terrorist. This could result in unfair or unjust convictions. However, the provision does not prevent defendants from challenging the designation in other ways. For example, they may challenge the listing through administrative channels or appeal the designation to a higher court. In addition, Section 477.4(4) does not prevent the defense from presenting other evidence or arguments that may undermine the basis for the government's case. In conclusion, Section 477.4(4) of the Criminal Code of Canada is an important provision that governs the use of certificates in terrorist-related legal proceedings. The provision balances the need for transparency in legal proceedings with the need to protect sensitive information. While some critics have raised concerns that the provision undermines defendants' rights, the provision does not prevent defendants from challenging the designation in other ways or presenting other evidence to undermine the government's case.

STRATEGY

Section 477.4(4) of the Criminal Code of Canada plays an important role in regulating the admissibility of certificates in criminal proceedings. It provides that certificates referred to in subsection (3) can be presented as evidence in proceedings where their admittance is essential but cannot be compelled. This means that prosecutors are not compelled to produce certificates as evidence in court proceedings, but they can do so if it is in the interest of justice. Ascertaining whether to present a certificate and what kind of certificate to present involves several strategic considerations. First, the prosecutor must determine whether the certificate offers any advantages in proving the case beyond the basic evidence. If the certificate does not present compelling evidence, the prosecutors may opt not to present it, as its production cannot be compelled. Second, the prosecutor must determine the scope and reach of the certificate. Some certificates are admissible for a variety of proceedings, while others are restricted to certain circumstances. Presenting a certificate that is beyond the purview of its certificate may negatively impact the case and provide an opportunity for the defense to exploit. Third, it is important to consider whether the certificate is reliable and credible. Inadvertently presenting a certificate that has not been authenticated or verified, or that has been forged, can result in the case being dismissed and loss of confidence in the justice system. Fourth, the prosecutor should consider the technical requirements for presenting the certificate in court proceedings. These typically include the minimum standards mandated for presentation, including the necessary language in which the certificate should be written and the kind of information it should contain. The prosecutor should ensure that the certificate adheres to these standards, or risk having it rejected as inadmissible. Given the various strategic considerations in presenting certificates under section 477.4(4), several strategies can be employed by the prosecutor. For one, the prosecutor can seek legal advice or confer with senior prosecutors to determine whether to present a certificate. This will help in determining whether the certificate provides a compelling advantage in the case or whether it is redundant. Another strategy that can be employed is to ensure that the prescribed legal process for presenting the certificate is adhered to. Prosecutors should fill out the appropriate forms, follow procedures, and ensure that the certificate is properly authenticated and verified. Doing so will reduce the likelihood of rejection and strengthen the credibility of the presented evidence. In conclusion, section 477.4(4) of the Criminal Code of Canada regulates the admissibility of certificates in criminal proceedings. Prosecutors must carefully weigh the strategic considerations of presenting a certificate, including its relevance, credibility, authenticity, and technical requirements. While its production cannot be compelled, it is an important tool in building a persuasive case. By adopting the right strategies, prosecutors can present strong and credible evidence, strengthening the case and contributing to the overall administration of justice.