section 520(4)

INTRODUCTION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A judge can adjourn an application under section 520, but if the accused is in custody, the adjournment cannot exceed three clear days without their consent.

SECTION WORDING

520(4) A judge may, before or at any time during the hearing of an application under this section, on application by the prosecutor or the accused, adjourn the proceedings, but if the accused is in custody no adjournment shall be for more than three clear days except with the consent of the accused.

EXPLANATION

Section 520(4) of the Criminal Code of Canada grants the power to a judge to adjourn the proceedings before or during the hearing of an application filed under this section. The purpose of this section is to provide flexibility to the court proceedings and to ensure that the accused has appropriate time to present their case. This section is relevant in the context of conditional release or bail hearings. In Canada, an accused person has the right to be released from custody before trial, subject to certain conditions or sureties, unless it is established that their release would be contrary to the public interest. Section 520 of the Criminal Code of Canada outlines the procedures that must be followed in applications for conditional release or bail. When an application is filed under this section, either by the prosecutor or the accused, the judge may grant an adjournment. This allows both parties to collect additional evidence, prepare their case, or explore alternative solutions. However, if the accused is in custody, no adjournment can be for more than three clear days, unless the accused consents to it. This limitation is intended to prevent unnecessary delays and to ensure that an accused does not stay in custody for too long. The power to grant an adjournment is discretionary and subject to certain considerations. For example, the judge must consider the impact of an adjournment on the accused's liberty interest, the public interest, and the administration of justice. Moreover, the judge should ensure that the adjournment is not being used to unduly prolong the proceedings. In summary, section 520(4) of the Criminal Code of Canada is a crucial provision that provides the court with the flexibility to grant adjournments, subject to certain conditions. The provision aims to balance the interests of the accused, the public, and the administration of justice in the context of bail and conditional release applications.

COMMENTARY

Section 520(4) of the Criminal Code of Canada provides for an important safeguard in the proceedings of bail hearings. This section allows for an adjournment of the proceedings, either before or during the hearing, on the application of either the prosecution or the accused. The purpose of an adjournment is often to allow for additional time to gather evidence, prepare arguments, or otherwise address issues that have arisen in the proceedings. This flexibility in scheduling can be critical to ensuring that a bail hearing is conducted fairly and effectively. However, the section also contains an important limitation, namely that if the accused is in custody, the adjournment cannot exceed three days, unless the accused consents to a longer period. This limitation reflects the fact that when an accused is in custody, their liberty is already at stake, and a prolonged detention without a bail hearing can be a serious deprivation of their rights. By imposing this time limit, the section seeks to balance the need for flexibility in scheduling against the need to ensure that accused persons are not unduly detained without a proper hearing. If an adjournment is requested that would exceed the three-day limit, the accused must be given the opportunity to consent to the extension. If consent is not given, the proceedings must continue without further delay. Overall, section 520(4) of the Criminal Code of Canada is an important provision that contributes to the fairness and effectiveness of bail hearings. By allowing for adjournments while also limiting the duration of those adjournments, the section strikes an appropriate balance between the interests of the parties involved. This balance is critical to ensuring that bail hearings are conducted in a manner that both protects the rights of the accused and serves the interests of justice.

STRATEGY

Section 520(4) of the Criminal Code of Canada provides that a judge may adjourn a hearing of an application under this section on application by the prosecutor or the accused. This section is critical in ensuring that both parties can address and defend their case adequately before the court. When dealing with this section, it is essential to consider some strategic considerations that could help in securing the desired outcome. Some of the strategic considerations that one can take into account when dealing with this section of the Criminal Code of Canada include: 1. Understanding the specific circumstances of the case It is essential to understand the specific circumstances of the case before asking for an adjournment. For instance, if the accused is in custody, the application to adjourn the hearing should not exceed more than three clear days without the consent of the accused. Additionally, if the prosecution has strong evidence against the accused, postponing the trial may only strengthen the prosecution's case, making it harder for the accused to defend themselves in court. Therefore, it is important to study the case and determine the best strategic move before requesting an adjournment. 2. Considering how long the case has been proceeding Another strategic consideration to make is to look at how long the case has been proceeding. If the trial has been taking a long time, it may be in the best interest of both parties to have a break and reevaluate their strategies. An adjournment could give both parties time to review the case documents and come up with a more effective defense or prosecution. 3. Looking at the timeline for trial It is important to consider the timeline for a trial to be completed when requesting an adjournment. In some cases, a judge may not grant an adjournment if they feel that it will delay the trial for an unreasonable period. Therefore, seeking an adjournment earlier in the trial may be more effective than waiting for the last minute. 4. Considering the impact of the adjournment on the accused When requesting an adjournment, it is essential to consider the impact it may have on the accused. If they are in custody, an extended adjournment could lead to a breach of their rights to a speedy trial. Additionally, an extended adjournment may have an adverse impact on the life of the accused, leading to job loss or financial difficulties. Strategies that could be employed when dealing with section 520(4) of the Criminal Code of Canada include: 1. Providing valid reasons for requesting an adjournment When requesting an adjournment, it is important to provide the court with valid reasons. These reasons could include securing more evidence, reviewing new information presented by the prosecution, or the absence of key witnesses. 2. Considering alternative solutions Instead of requesting an adjournment, alternative solutions such as a change of venue, deferral of a particular issue, or seeking more time to prepare could be proposed. These alternatives may be more effective and less disruptive to the proceedings. 3. Seeking agreement from all parties involved Before requesting an adjournment, seeking the agreement of all parties involved may increase the chances of success. If all parties agree, it may be easier to convince the judge to grant the adjournment. In conclusion, section 520(4) of the Criminal Code of Canada is critical in ensuring that both parties have adequate time to defend their case before the court. However, when requesting an adjournment, it is important to consider some strategic considerations and employ various strategies that could increase the chances of success. Adequate preparation and effective communication with all parties involved may lead to a better outcome.