section 672.1(1)

INTRODUCTION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

This section defines the term Review Board as it is used in a particular part of the Criminal Code of Canada.

SECTION WORDING

672.1(1) In this part, "Review Board" means the Review Board established or designated for a province pursuant to subsection 672.38(1).

EXPLANATION

Section 672.1(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada defines the term "Review Board" as it relates to Part XX.1 of the Criminal Code, which deals with the assessment and treatment of accused persons found unfit to stand trial or not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder. The Review Board is a specialized tribunal designed to assess and manage the mental health needs of individuals who have been found unfit to stand trial or not criminally responsible due to a mental disorder. The purpose of a Review Board is to ensure the safety of the public, balance the individual's rights and freedoms, and promote their rehabilitation. A Review Board is established or designated for each province in Canada, and operates independently from the court system. The Board is made up of members with expertise in mental health, law, and public safety. They have the power to review the detention, assessment, and treatment of individuals, as well as make decisions regarding their release or continued detention. The Review Board process is an essential aspect of the Canadian legal system, as it provides a specialized approach to the assessment and management of individuals with mental disorders who are in conflict with the law. It ensures that these individuals are responsible for their actions while balancing their individual needs and rights. By providing early and appropriate treatment and support, the Review Board can help reduce the likelihood of future criminal behaviour, promote rehabilitation and reduce the risk of harm to the public.

COMMENTARY

Section 672.1(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada defines the term "Review Board," which is a crucial aspect of the Canadian criminal justice system. This section of the code serves to define the process by which dangerous offenders are monitored and managed within Canada. The Review Board is an essential component of the justice system, as it aims to balance the need to protect the public from dangerous offenders while still ensuring that offenders have the opportunity to receive treatment and rehabilitation. According to Section 672.1(1), a "Review Board" is a body that is either established or designated for a province under subsection 672.38(1). This subsection outlines the regulations outlined by the federal government, which requires each province to establish or designate a Review Board as per the specified statutory requirements. In essence, the role of a Review Board is to manage the risk posed by individuals who have been found to be dangerous offenders or unfit to stand trial. Given the nature of the role of the Review Board in Canada's criminal justice system, this section is critical in defining the process by which these boards operate. Review Boards are expected to make decisions regarding when individuals should be released and their conditions of release, as well as monitoring and revising these conditions as needed. These decisions are made based on continuous assessments of the offender's risk level. The board's members typically include psychiatrists, psychologists, lawyers, and members of the community. The duties of the Review Board include assessing an offender's suitability for release, as well as reviewing the conditions surrounding any previous conditional release to determine if any modifications are necessary. Review Boards have the authority to make orders that may include detaining an individual in a hospital, mental health facility, or jail. Likewise, the board can also order court-ordered treatment, supervision orders, or community treatment orders. These orders are intended to protect public safety while helping offenders to reintegrate back into the community. Overall, Section 672.1(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada is critical in defining the role of the Review Board in managing high-risk offenders. This section not only serves to clarify the responsibilities of the board but also outlines the legal processes that must be followed. As a result, Section 672.1(1) plays a vital role in upholding the principles of justice and fairness in Canada's criminal justice system. It allows for the delicate balancing act of protecting the public while simultaneously working towards the rehabilitation of the offenders.

STRATEGY

Section 672.1(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada pertains to the establishment of a Review Board for a province. It outlines the meaning of the term "Review Board" within the context of this section. In dealing with this section, strategic considerations vary depending on different stakeholders involved. Some of the strategic considerations that can help in dealing with this section of the Code include: 1. Legal framework: The first strategic consideration is the legal framework that establishes the Review Board. The provisions in the Criminal Code of Canada establish the basic framework for the Review Board that requires both legislative and regulatory compliance. Compliance with the criminal code for the establishment and functioning of the Review Board is crucial to ensure the legitimacy of the Board's decisions. 2. Meeting Standards: The Review Board must meet the required standards for the running of review Boards, including training for the Board members and compliance with ethical and equitable standards in handling cases. It is critical to meet the set standards to avoid technical legal challenges and ensure that decisions taken by the Board are defensible during appeals. 3. Communication Protocols: Effective communication within the Review Board ensures that stakeholders are informed and involved in the decision-making process. It's essential to establish protocols for timely communication and responsiveness to stakeholder needs, including the community, healthcare providers, and lawyers. 4. Decision-making Process: The Board's decision-making process must be carefully crafted, with clear legal standards that are applied equitably in the review of individual cases. The Board must demonstrate a commitment to fairness in its decisions, be transparent and accountable in carrying out its mandate. 5. Resource allocation: Proper allocation of the resources to the Board, including financial and human resources, is critical for the successful functioning of the Board. The Board needs adequate resources to operate effectively and efficiently. Strategies that can be employed include: 1. Awareness creation: Community awareness of the existence of the Review Board and its role needs to be established. This strategy involves educating the public about the Board's mandate and how it functions. 2. Collaboration with stakeholders: Collaboration and stakeholder engagement are essential to the Board's effectiveness. Effective collaboration will create legitimacy, transparency, and accountability of the Board's decisions. 3. Continuous improvement: The Board should focus on continuous improvement. Quality improvement approaches such as lean management can be adopted to cut waste, reduce costs and boost efficiency. 4. Resource mobilization: Resources required to operate the Board must be mobilized continually. Mobilizing resources involves developing a resource mobilization plan and conducting resource assessments where needed. Conclusion In conclusion, effective management and operation of a Review Board require compliance with the legal standards established in the criminal Code, meeting the required standards, effective communication protocols, designing an equitable decision-making process, adequate resource allocation, and adopting strategic approaches such as awareness creation, continuous improvement, collaboration, and resource mobilization. Effective management of the Review Board will lead to better decisions and improved public confidence in the system.