section 523(2)

INTRODUCTION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

This section allows a court, judge, or justice to vacate an order for interim release or detention of an accused and make a different order until their trial is completed, based on cause shown.

SECTION WORDING

523(2) Despite subsections (1) to (1.2), (a) the court, judge or justice before which or whom an accused is being tried, at any time, (b) the justice, on completion of the preliminary inquiry in relation to an offence for which an accused is ordered to stand trial, other than an offence listed in section 469, or (c) with the consent of the prosecutor and the accused or, where the accused or the prosecutor applies to vacate an order that would otherwise apply pursuant to subsection (1.1), without such consent, at any time (i) where the accused is charged with an offence other than an offence listed in section 469, the justice by whom an order was made under this Part or any other justice, (ii) where the accused is charged with an offence listed in section 469, a judge of or a judge presiding in a superior court of criminal jurisdiction for the province, or (iii) the court, judge or justice before which or whom an accused is to be tried, may, on cause being shown, vacate any order previously made under this Part for the interim release or detention of the accused and make any other order provided for in this Part for the detention or release of the accused until his trial is completed that the court, judge or justice considers to be warranted.

EXPLANATION

Section 523(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada outlines the circumstances in which an order for interim release or detention of an accused person may be vacated and replaced with a different order until their trial is completed. The section grants various individuals the power to vacate orders previously made under this Part pertaining to interim release or detention, including judges, justices, or courts before which or whom the accused is being tried. The prosecutor and the accused must give their consent for such an order, except in cases in which the accused or prosecutor has applied to vacate the order, and it would otherwise apply under subsection (1.1). The section provides flexibility in the process of interim release or detention of accused persons, allowing for a re-evaluation of orders made under this Part when cause is shown. It is a crucial aspect of the Canadian criminal justice system as it ensures that the detention or release of accused persons is based on current circumstances and evidence. The section serves to protect the rights of accused persons while also protecting society by ensuring that accused persons are not released when they pose a risk to community safety, and that they are not detained unnecessarily. The section works in conjunction with other provisions of the Criminal Code to ensure that the right to a fair and just trial is upheld while balancing the need to protect society from potential harm.

COMMENTARY

Section 523(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada provides provisions for the interim release or detention of an accused before their trial on an offence. The section allows for the court, judge, or justice to vacate any order previously made under this part for the detention or release of the accused until their trial is completed, based on sufficient cause shown. This provision is necessary to ensure that individuals are not held in detention for an excessive period without a trial or due process and that their rights are upheld while protecting society's interests. The provision applies to all accused persons, notwithstanding the offence they have been charged with. However, it has a specific application concerning the type of offence an accused is charged with. Notably, the provision does not apply to an offence listed in section 469 of the Criminal Code of Canada, which includes the most serious offences, such as murder, treason, and piracy. An accused charged with an offence in this category cannot apply for interim release under this provision, and jurisdiction for this matter is shifted to the superior court of criminal jurisdiction for the province. The provision also allows for the accused to apply for the vacation of an order that would otherwise apply pursuant to subsection (1.1). This subsection provides that if an accused is charged with a serious offence and their detention is necessary for public protection or to maintain confidence in the administration of justice, they cannot apply for interim release. However, the consent of the prosecutor and the accused is necessary for the vacation of such an order. This provision is essential as it provides the accused with an opportunity to challenge their detention for an offence they may not have committed or where their detention is not warranted. The section is also instrumental in ensuring that the court, judge, or justice considers all factors before making a determination on whether an accused should be detained or released before their trial. The determination considers factors such as public safety, the accused's likelihood to attend their court hearing, and the seriousness of the offence. This provision ensures that accused persons are not being detained without real consideration of their rights and the interests of justice. In conclusion, section 523(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada is necessary to uphold the interests of justice for all accused persons. The provision ensures that accused persons are not held in detention for an excessive period without a trial while protecting society's interests. It allows the court, judge, or justice to consider the unique facts and circumstances surrounding the accused person's case before making any interim release or detention determination. The provision is a critical component of the Criminal Code of Canada and ensures that the accused is entitled to both their rights and protection in the justice system.

STRATEGY

Section 523(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada provides for the vacating of an order made under this Part for the interim release or detention of the accused. This section gives the court the power to make any order for the detention or release of the accused until the trial is completed, provided that it is considered warranted by the court, judge, or justice. Dealing with this section of the Criminal Code requires strategic considerations that, if well implemented, will assist in the successful determination of the case. One strategic consideration is for the defense counsel to carefully assess the circumstances of the case and determine if it is necessary to apply for an order to vacate interim release. In cases where the accused is detained, the defense counsel could consider requesting for the accused's release, especially when prolonged detention could result in significant mental and physical harm. Where the accused is on bail, the counsel could consider requesting for tighter conditions that would ensure that the accused does not commit further offenses or interfere with the administration of justice. Another strategic consideration is for the defense counsel to carefully examine the reasons for the order made under this part and establish if there is any evidence or information that was not previously presented that could warrant the variation or release of the accused. Such additional submissions can be significant, especially in situations where the accused did not have adequate opportunity to provide evidence or provide justification for the court to grant bail. Similarly, the prosecution may also employ strategic considerations in dealing with Section 523(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada. For example, the prosecution could consider applying to revoke an order of release granted to the accused to either prevent the accused from committing further offenses or to ensure the accused is available for trial. The prosecution may also consider requesting strict bail conditions, such as electronic monitoring, regular check-ins, or curfew orders to ensure that the accused complies with the court's orders. In cases where the accused poses a significant risk to public safety, the prosecution could consider requesting for a detention order that would ensure that the accused is detained until trial. To do this, the prosecution must establish the existence of significant risks that could not be mitigated by setting bail conditions. Overall, the use of strategic considerations by both the prosecution and defense counsel in dealing with Section 523(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada is crucial to ensure a fair and just administration of justice. Through these strategies, the parties can ensure that the accused receives a fair hearing and appropriate bail conditions and that the public is protected from potential risks posed by the accused.