section 2

INTRODUCTION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Section 2 of the Criminal Code defines property as including real and personal property, deeds and instruments, and other items issued for payment of fees.

SECTION WORDING

2. In this Act, "property" includes (a) real and personal property of every description and deeds and instruments relating to or evidencing the title or right to property, or giving a right to recover or receive money or goods, (b) property originally in the possession or under the control of any person, and any property into or for which it has been converted or exchanged and anything acquired at any time by the conversion or exchange, and (c) any postal card, postage stamp or other stamp issued or prepared for issue under the authority of Parliament or the legislature of a province for the payment to the Crown or a corporate body of any fee, rate or duty, whether or not it is in the possession of the Crown or of any person;

EXPLANATION

Section 2 of the Criminal Code of Canada defines the term "property" in the context of the Act. It includes both real and personal property, as well as any deeds and instruments related to the title or right to property. This definition covers a wide range of objects, including money, goods, and any item that can be converted or exchanged for value. It also includes any postal card, postage stamp, or other stamp issued for payment to the Crown or a corporate body, regardless of whether it is in the possession of the Crown or any person. The inclusion of this definition is significant because property plays a crucial role in many criminal offenses. Theft, fraud, and other crimes of this nature rely on the concept of property. By defining the term in this way, the Criminal Code provides clarity and specificity about the objects and items that can be subject to criminal liability. This definition is particularly relevant in cases involving economic crimes, such as identity theft, embezzlement, and counterfeiting. It also applies to cases in which property is used as a weapon, such as assault with a weapon charges involving a stolen or converted object. In summary, Section 2 of the Criminal Code provides a comprehensive definition of the term "property" that is crucial to understanding many of the offenses contained in the Act. The broad scope of the definition ensures that all relevant forms of property are included, which helps to promote consistency in the application of the law.

COMMENTARY

Section 2 of the Criminal Code of Canada is a foundational provision that establishes what is considered property" for the purposes of the Act. The definition is broad and inclusive, encompassing real and personal property, deeds and instruments relating to property, and any property that has been converted or exchanged from its original possession or control. Additionally, this section also includes postal cards, postage stamps, or other stamps issued or prepared for issue under the authority of Parliament or a province that can be used to pay fees, rates, or duties. The definition of property is crucial to the Criminal Code because many of the offenses it deals with involve the taking, destruction, or interference with property. These offenses include theft, fraud, mischief, and arson. By defining property in such a comprehensive way, the Criminal Code ensures that all forms of property are protected from such offenses. The inclusion of deeds and instruments relating to property is particularly important because it extends the definition of property beyond physical objects to include legal interests in property. This provides protection to owners or other legal holders of property interests, such as mortgages, liens, or leases. The broad definition of property is also important in cases where a property has been converted or exchanged. This provision ensures that such property retains its protection under the Criminal Code even if it has been altered or transformed in some way. For instance, if someone steals a piece of jewelry and then melts it down to sell as scrap metal, they are still liable for the offense of theft because the jewelry was converted from its original form. The inclusion of postal cards, postage stamps, or other stamps issued or prepared for issue under the authority of Parliament or a province is interesting as it is not something one would typically associate with property. However, these items often have a monetary value and can be used to pay fees, rates, or duties owed to the government or other bodies. As such, they are considered property and are protected from theft or fraud. Overall, section 2 of the Criminal Code of Canada provides a broad and inclusive definition of property that ensures that all forms of property are protected from offenses such as theft, fraud, mischief and arson. The definition is particularly important because it extends beyond physical objects to include legal interests in property, as well as items that have a monetary value but may not be immediately recognized as property, such as postal cards and stamps.

STRATEGY

Section 2 of the Criminal Code of Canada is an important section for anyone working in the legal system to understand. This section provides the definition of "property" for the purposes of the Criminal Code. Being clear on what is considered property under this Act is essential when interpreting and applying criminal laws related to theft, fraud, and other property offenses. Strategic Considerations When Dealing with Section 2 of the Criminal Code of Canada: 1. Understanding the Different Types of Property Section 2 outlines different categories of property, including real and personal property, deeds and instruments, and stamps and postage cards. Lawyers, judges, and law enforcement officials must have a clear understanding of what falls under each category to build a strong case when they are dealing with a property offense case. 2. Proving Ownership and Possession When dealing with property cases, it is essential to prove ownership or possession of the property in question. This can sometimes be a difficult task, particularly in cases where it has changed hands or passed through multiple parties. Knowing how to gather and present evidence can be crucial in proving ownership or possession in court. 3. Mitigation of Penalties Understanding the definition of property under the Criminal Code of Canada can also be helpful when developing strategies for mitigating penalties. For example, if someone is facing charges for theft under $5,000 and the property in question is a postage stamp, it may be possible to argue for a lower penalty. Strategies That Could Be Employed: 1. Gathering and Presenting Evidence In property offense cases, evidence is key. Lawyers and law enforcement officials must gather as much evidence as possible to establish ownership or possession of the property. This may involve obtaining witness statements, surveillance footage, or forensic evidence. 2. Establishing the Value of the Property The value of the property can be a critical factor in determining the severity of the offense and the penalty prescribed under the Criminal Code of Canada. Establishing an accurate valuation is essential, particularly in cases where the property is rare or unique. 3. Negotiating a Plea Bargain In some cases, negotiating a plea bargain may be the best strategy. This can involve working with the Crown prosecutor to reduce charges or penalties in exchange for a guilty plea. 4. Challenging the Definition of Property In some cases, the definition of property under the Criminal Code of Canada may be contested. Lawyers may be able to argue that certain items do not fall under the definition of property or that the value of the property has been incorrectly calculated. In conclusion, understanding the definition of property under the Criminal Code of Canada is essential for anyone working in the legal system. Lawyers, judges, and law enforcement officials must be familiar with the different types of property covered under section 2 and how they may be used in criminal prosecutions. Strategies for dealing with property offense cases may include gathering and presenting evidence, establishing the value of the property, negotiating a plea bargain, or challenging the definition of property itself.

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