Criminal Code of Canada - section 777(3) - Amendment

section 777(3)

INTRODUCTION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

This section states that if an adjudication is changed, the conviction and warrant of committal must be updated to reflect the new decision.

SECTION WORDING

777(3) Where an adjudication is varied pursuant to subsection (1) or (2), the conviction and warrant of committal, if any, shall be amended to conform to the adjudication as varied.

EXPLANATION

Section 777(3) of the Criminal Code of Canada is an important provision that governs what should happen after a criminal sentencing has been varied pursuant to subsection (1) or (2). Subsections (1) and (2) allow for variations of a conviction and sentence respectively. Section 777(1) permits a court of appeal to vary or set aside a conviction, or order a new trial, whereas section 777(2) permits a court of appeal to vary or substitute a sentence imposed by a lower court. Section 777(3) specifies that when an adjudication is varied under sections 777(1) or (2), the original conviction and warrant of committal, if any, must be amended to conform to the adjudication as varied. This means that changes to the conviction or sentence made by the court of appeal must be reflected in the official record of the case, including any legal documents or warrants that have been issued as a result of the original conviction. The purpose of this provision is to ensure that the official record accurately reflects the final judgment of the court of appeal, and that law enforcement officials, correctional authorities, and other relevant parties are aware of the changes that have been made to the original conviction or sentence. By requiring that changes be made to the conviction and warrant of committal, authorities are able to effectively enforce the updated sentence without confusion or error. In summary, section 777(3) of the Criminal Code of Canada is a key provision that ensures consistency between the adjudication of the court and the official record of the case, thereby facilitating the proper administration of justice.

COMMENTARY

Section 777(3) of the Criminal Code of Canada is a provision that addresses the implications of varying an adjudication pursuant to subsection (1) or (2). Essentially, this provision ensures that all relevant legal documents and statues are consistent to reflect the modified adjudication. Put simply, once an adjudication has been varied, any associated conviction and warrant of committal will automatically be amended to ensure they are consistent with the new adjudication. This provision reflects a broader policy objective of the Canadian criminal justice system which is to ensure consistent, fair and transparent application of the law. It ensures that any changes made to adjudications are reflected in the associated legal documents, so that there is no ambiguity or confusion about the disposition of the case. In this way, Section 777(3) helps to promote public trust and confidence in the criminal justice system by making sure that the legal documentation of any disposition of a case is accurate and reflects the full nature of the adjudication. The clarity and consistency provided by Section 777(3) also has practical implications for the administration of justice. By ensuring that all legal documents and statues are consistent with the modified adjudication, the provision reduces the potential for confusion during subsequent legal proceedings. This could include the actions of law enforcement agencies, lawyers, and judges. For example, if a conviction and warrant of committal were not amended after an adjudication was modified, it could lead to confusion if the court or police ever needed to enforce the warrant. This could also lead to the accused person being wrongfully re-arrested or detain. Overall, the provision provides clear guidance for the administration of justice in Canada. By ensuring consistency and clarity in the legal documentation of any disposition of a case, it promotes the fair and transparent application of the law. This can also help to prevent potential undue hardship or injustice to those accused of crimes, while facilitating the efficient operation of the criminal justice system. However, it should be noted that Section 777(3) is only one element of the criminal justice system, and there can be complex, nuanced factors that influence how the law is applied in practice. For example, there can be situations where modifications to an adjudication may not be straightforward, or where disputes may arise about what constitutes a conformity" to the new adjudication. Nevertheless, Section 777(3) plays an important role in ensuring that there is a clear framework in place for the administration of justice in Canada, which can help to promote fairness, consistency, and transparency in the application of the law.

STRATEGY

Section 777(3) of the Criminal Code of Canada is an essential provision in the Canadian criminal justice system. It provides for the modification of a sentence or sanction when an adjudication is varied pursuant to subsection (1) or (2). Adjudication refers to the legal process of decision-making by a judge or tribunal in a judicial or administrative field. While the provision appears straightforward, there are various strategic considerations that lawyers and defendants need to consider when dealing with this section of the Criminal Code of Canada. In this essay, we will discuss some of the strategic considerations and strategies that could be employed. First, it is important to note that Section 777(3) only applies when an adjudication is varied. Thus, a decision to vary an adjudication must be strategic and well-considered. The factors that could lead to the variation of an adjudication include new evidence, errors in law, or the emergence of significant circumstances. Therefore, the defendant must work closely with their lawyer to determine if there are grounds to seek a variation of an adjudication. Second, when seeking to vary an adjudication, it is important to consider the impact that such a variation could have on the defendant's reputation and criminal record. For instance, a variation that leads to a lesser sentence or charge could still leave a criminal record that could have far-reaching consequences for the defendant. Consequently, the defendant and their lawyer must employ strategies that help minimize the impact of a criminal record. One strategy is to seek a variation of the adjudication to a less serious offense that does not attract a criminal record. This could be achieved through plea bargaining, where the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a lesser offense and in exchange, the prosecution agrees to drop the more serious charges. Alternatively, the defendant could seek a conditional discharge or a suspended sentence, which do not result in a criminal record. Third, the defendant must be strategic in the timing of the application for variation of adjudication. Section 777(3) provides that the conviction and warrant of committal must be amended to conform to the adjudication as varied. Therefore, the variation must be sought before the conviction becomes final, or the warrant of committal is executed. Failure to follow the correct timing could lead to serious consequences, such as the inability to appeal or a longer sentence. Fourth, the defendant must consider their potential eligibility for parole. Parole refers to the process of releasing a prisoner from jail before the end of their sentence under certain conditions. Section 120 of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act provides that parole is available to offenders who have been sentenced to a term of imprisonment of two years or more. Therefore, a defendant must consider their potential eligibility for parole when deciding whether to seek a variation of an adjudication. In conclusion, Section 777(3) of the Criminal Code of Canada is an important provision that allows for the variation of an adjudication. However, defendants and their lawyers must be strategic in their approach when seeking a variation of an adjudication. The strategy must be aimed at minimizing the impact of a criminal record and taking into consideration the timing of the application, the potential for parole, and the use of alternatives to a criminal record.