section 834(1)

INTRODUCTION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

This section outlines the powers and actions that the appeal court can take when a notice of appeal is filed.

SECTION WORDING

834(1) When a notice of appeal is filed pursuant to section 830, the appeal court shall hear and determine the grounds of appeal and may (a) affirm, reverse or modify the conviction, judgment, verdict or other final order or determination, or (b) remit the matter to the summary conviction court with the opinion of the appeal court, and may make any other order in relation to the matter or with respect to costs that it considers proper.

EXPLANATION

Section 834(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada outlines the authority of an appeal court when dealing with an appeal filed pursuant to section 830. When an appeal is filed, the appeal court has the power to hear and determine the grounds of the appeal and make any order it considers appropriate. This can include affirming, reversing or modifying the conviction, judgment, verdict or other final order or determination made by the lower court. In addition, the appeal court may remit the matter to the summary conviction court along with its opinion. This means that the appeal court can send the case back to the lower court with instructions on how to proceed, and may also provide an opinion on the matter that the lower court can take into consideration. The appeal court also has the power to make any other order related to the matter, including decisions on costs. Overall, section 834(1) gives the appeal court significant discretion when dealing with appeals. The court is able to carefully consider the grounds of the appeal and make decisions that it deems appropriate based on the specific circumstances of the case. This ensures that individuals who are unhappy with a decision made by a lower court have the opportunity to appeal and have their case heard and determined by a higher court.

COMMENTARY

Section 834(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada outlines the powers of an appeal court when a notice of appeal is filed pursuant to section 830. The section of the Criminal Code is significant as it provides a clear framework for the appeal process, giving appellants an opportunity to challenge the original ruling. When a notice of appeal is filed, the appeal court is required to hear and determine the grounds of appeal. The grounds of appeal can range from the argument that there was a legal error in the original trial to the argument that the verdict was unreasonable based on the evidence presented. The appeal court has the power to affirm, reverse, or modify the original ruling. In other words, the appeal court can either uphold the original verdict, overturn it, or amend it in some way. This gives the appellant a chance to challenge the original ruling in court, and potentially have it overturned if they are successful. In addition to affirming, reversing, or modifying the original ruling, the appeal court has the power to remit the matter to the summary conviction court with the opinion of the appeal court. This means that the appeal court can send the case back to the original court with specific instructions on how the new ruling should be made. This gives the summary conviction court an opportunity to reconsider its decision in light of the appeal court's opinion. Ultimately, the goal of this process is to ensure that the interests of justice are served. Finally, the appeal court is given the power to make any other order in relation to the matter or with respect to costs that it considers proper. This provides the appeal court with the flexibility to make decisions that are tailored to the specific circumstances of the case. For example, the appeal court may order the appellant to pay the costs of the appeal, or it may order a retrial in the interests of justice. Overall, section 834(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada provides important protections for appellants, ensuring that they have the ability to challenge the original ruling and have their cases heard in a court of law. The powers of the appeal court under this section of the Criminal Code are designed to ensure that justice is served and that the interests of all parties are respected. Through this process, the legal system can maintain its integrity and ensure that justice is done.

STRATEGY

Section 834(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada outlines the powers of the appeal court when hearing and determining grounds of appeal. This article will explore the strategic considerations that must be taken into account when dealing with this section of the Criminal Code and some corresponding strategic actions that could be employed. One key strategic consideration when dealing with section 834(1) is the preparation of the grounds of appeal. The grounds of appeal must be clear, concise, and detailed. This will enable the court to quickly identify the issues on which the appeal is being made, and hence, respond quickly and efficiently. Furthermore, the grounds of appeal should be well-supported with concrete legal authorities, which are an essential factor in determining the merit and strength of the appeal. Another crucial strategic consideration when dealing with section 834(1) is the selection of a seasoned and experienced appellate lawyer. An appellate lawyer's skill and expertise are necessary for identifying the critical issues in your case and framing the appeal in a persuasive manner. An experienced lawyer will also be well-versed in the rules of evidence and procedural requirements of the appeal court, which will save you time, money, and stress in your appellate journey. The third strategic consideration when dealing with section 834(1) is to understand the appellate process and timeline. The appellate proceedings follow a strict timeline and routine, which must be adhered to strictly. The time to file your appeal, submit your grounds of appeal, and the deadline for filing the transcript must be strictly adhered to. A failure to comply with the prescribed appellate deadlines can have dire consequences, including dismissal of the appeal. The fourth strategic consideration when dealing with section 834(1) is to understand the scope of review. The appeal court, in general, does not re-examine the case in full, but rather, reviews the findings of fact and application of law in the context of the judge's reasoning and the evidence adduced at trial. The scope of review in an appeal is expressly limited to a few legal grounds, including errors of law, errors of fact, or a breach of the rules of natural justice. The final strategic consideration when dealing with section 834(1) is to be prepared to accept the decision of the court. An unintended outcome in an appeal case is always a possibility. Therefore, it is essential to prepare your client for both a successful or unsuccessful appeal. If the appeal court succeeds in reversing or modifying the original ruling, you will have to draft an appropriate order that complies with the ruling of the appeal court. There are several strategies that could be employed when dealing with section 834(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada, some of which include: 1. Crafting an appeal that is concise, clear, and to the point, preferably discussing only a few issues during the appeal. 2. Hiring a seasoned appellate lawyer who has an excellent track record of success in court appeals. 3. Filing the appeal in a timely and appropriate manner, thereby complying with the prescribed appeal timeline. 4. Understanding the scope of review and the appellate process. 5. Being prepared for an unfavorable outcome, such as the dismissal of the appeal. In conclusion, dealing with section 834(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada requires a meticulous analysis of the legal issues involved while considering the strategic options available. A well-prepared appellant who understands the protocols and timelines of the appeal court is more likely to succeed. Furthermore, the selection of an experienced appellate lawyer can increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome. Employing these strategies appropriately can help ensure that the appeal process is an effective means of obtaining lawful justice.