section 92(1)

INTRODUCTION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

It is illegal to possess a firearm without a licence or registration certificate.

SECTION WORDING

92(1) Subject to subsection (4), every person commits an offence who possesses a firearm knowing that the person is not the holder of (a) a licence under which the person may possess it; and (b) in the case of a prohibited firearm or a restricted firearm, a registration certificate for it.

EXPLANATION

Section 92(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada deals with the possession of firearms without a valid license or registration certificate. The section prohibits individuals from possessing firearms if they do not hold a license or registration certificate. This section applies to all categories of firearms, including restricted and prohibited firearms. Under Canadian law, all individuals who wish to possess a firearm must first apply for and obtain a license from the Canadian Firearms Program. The license specifies the categories of firearms that an individual may possess and use. In addition to the license, individuals who possess restricted or prohibited firearms must also obtain a registration certificate for each firearm. Possession of firearms without a valid license or registration certificate is a criminal offense under Section 92(1) of the Criminal Code. The maximum penalty for a violation of this section is imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years. This section is part of the Canadian government's efforts to regulate firearms and ensure public safety. Regulating firearms possession and use is a critical measure for protecting individuals and society from violent crimes involving guns. In conclusion, Section 92(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada ensures that individuals who possess firearms do so legally and safely. It requires individuals to obtain the necessary licenses and registration certificates, failing which they could face serious legal consequences.

COMMENTARY

Section 92(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada deals with the possession of firearms without a valid license and registration certificate. This section imposes strict liability on an individual who is found to be in possession of firearms without meeting the necessary requirements. The purpose of this section is to ensure public safety by restricting access to firearms, specifically those identified as prohibited or restricted firearms. In Canada, firearms are classified into three categories: non-restricted, restricted, and prohibited. Non-restricted firearms can be acquired with a possession and acquisition license (PAL), whereas, restricted and prohibited firearms require a restricted PAL and a firearm registration certificate. The possession of firearms without a valid license and registration certificate is a criminal offence under section 92(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada. It is a strict liability offence, meaning that intent or knowledge of the possession of firearms is not a requirement for the prosecution to obtain a conviction. The mere possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm without proper documentation is enough to constitute an offence. The penalties for violating section 92(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada are severe. A person found guilty of possessing a prohibited firearm or a restricted firearm without proper documentation can face imprisonment for up to 10 years. Additionally, the firearm in question may be forfeited to the Crown. The strict liability nature of this offence serves as a deterrent to those who may be tempted to acquire or possess firearms illegally. It also helps to ensure that individuals who are licensed to possess firearms comply with the law by registering their firearms and maintaining a valid license. In recent years, there has been an increase in illegal firearms-related incidents in Canada. The implementation of section 92(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada serves as an important tool in combatting this trend. By cracking down on individuals who possess firearms illegally, law enforcement agencies are better equipped to identify and prosecute those who are involved in illegal activities such as gang-related violence and organized crime. In conclusion, section 92(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada serves as an important measure in regulating the possession of firearms in Canada. It establishes strict liability for individuals who possess prohibited or restricted firearms without meeting the necessary requirements. This section serves as a vital tool for law enforcement agencies in ensuring public safety and reducing illegal firearms-related incidents in Canada.

STRATEGY

Section 92(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada (CCC) deals with firearms offenses related to possession of a firearm without a license or registration certificate. The offense is considered serious and can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment. Therefore, when faced with a charge under this section, strategic considerations are essential to understand the legal process and plan a defense. One of the first strategic considerations when dealing with section 92(1) of the CCC is to understand how the police obtained the firearm that led to the charges. The police must abide by specific procedures and protocols when seizing firearms, and failure to follow these procedures may result in the exclusion of the evidence. If the police acted unlawfully, a defense attorney may be able to argue that the evidence should be excluded from trial. Another strategy that may be effective in dealing with firearms charges is to challenge the police's evidence. The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused possessed the firearm without a license or registration certificate knowingly. However, proving this may be challenging as some firearms, such as antique firearms, may not require a registration certificate or license. Additionally, a person may lawfully possess a firearm for a specific purpose, such as hunting or self-defense, with a proper license. Therefore, a defense attorney may argue that the accused had a legitimate reason to possess the firearm and did not knowingly possess it illegally. If the prosecution cannot provide enough evidence to prove the accused's knowledge, the charges may be dropped or reduced, resulting in a more favorable outcome for the accused. Another strategy when dealing with section 92(1) charges is to negotiate plea bargaining. The prosecution may offer a plea bargain to reduce the charges or seek a lighter sentence in exchange for a guilty plea. In some cases, it may be advantageous for the accused to accept a plea bargain if the evidence against them is strong and a conviction is likely. Lastly, a defense attorney may argue that the accused's Charter rights were violated during the arrest and search that led to the firearm's discovery. The Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees specific rights to all individuals in Canada, and if these rights are violated by the police, the accused's case may be dismissed entirely. In conclusion, when dealing with section 92(1) of the CCC, it is crucial to understand the legal process, the evidence against the accused, and the possible outcomes. Hiring an experienced defense attorney who understands the firearms laws and the legal process can help in developing the best strategy for dealing with firearms offenses. Some of the strategies that may be employed include challenging the police's evidence, negotiating plea bargaining, or arguing that the accused's Charter rights were violated.