Criminal Code of Canada - section 48(2) - Information for treasonable words

section 48(2)

INTRODUCTION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

No proceedings can be brought for overt acts of treason expressed in speech without an information being laid under oath within six days and a warrant being issued within ten days.

SECTION WORDING

48(2) No proceedings shall be commenced under section 47 in respect of an overt act of treason expressed or declared by open and considered speech unless (a) an information setting out the overt act and the words by which it was expressed or declared is laid under oath before a justice within six days after the time when the words are alleged to have been spoken; and (b) a warrant for the arrest of the accused is issued within ten days after the time when the information is laid.

EXPLANATION

Section 48(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada outlines the requirements for bringing charges of treason in connection with open, considered speech. Specifically, this section stipulates that no proceedings can be brought unless an information is laid under oath before a justice within six days of the time that the words giving rise to the allegation are spoken. Additionally, a warrant for the arrest of the accused must be issued within ten days of the time that the information is laid. The purpose of this provision is to balance two important principles in Canadian law: the protection of freedom of speech and the need to address serious threats to national security. By requiring that charges of treason based on open, considered speech be brought rapidly and with a high degree of procedural transparency, Section 48(2) seeks to ensure that speech is not too easily suppressed on grounds of alleged disloyalty or sedition. At the same time, it recognizes that speech can be a powerful tool for incitement and agitation, and that certain statements may pose a real and significant risk to the country. Overall, the provisions of the Criminal Code related to treason and sedition reflect the delicate balance between free expression and the security of the state. By providing clear guidelines for when and how charges can be brought in instances of allegedly treasonous speech, the law makes it possible to respond quickly and decisively to genuine threats without unduly impinging on Canadians' rights to express themselves.

COMMENTARY

Section 48(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada is designed to provide a balance between freedom of expression and the need to protect national security. It sets out specific requirements that must be met before proceedings can be commenced under Section 47 in respect of overt acts of treason expressed or declared by open and considered speech. The first condition that must be met is that an information must be laid under oath before a justice within six days after the time when the words are alleged to have been spoken. This requirement is designed to ensure that allegations of treason are not based on hearsay or anecdotal evidence, but rather on sworn statements that can be tested and scrutinized in court. The second condition is that a warrant for the arrest of the accused must be issued within ten days after the time when the information is laid. This requirement is designed to ensure that any potential threat to national security is addressed quickly and effectively, but it also serves to protect the individual rights of the accused by ensuring that they are not subjected to prolonged periods of uncertainty or fear. On balance, Section 48(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada strikes an appropriate balance between national security concerns and the protection of individual rights. It recognizes the importance of freedom of expression and safeguards against any abuse of power by limiting the circumstances under which proceedings can be commenced for overt acts of treason expressed or declared by open and considered speech. However, it is also important to note that the effectiveness of this section of the Criminal Code depends on the vigilance of law enforcement officials and the willingness of Canadians to report any instances of overt acts of treason. It is therefore incumbent upon all of us to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior or activity that may pose a threat to our national security. In conclusion, Section 48(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada is a crucial piece of legislation that helps to maintain the delicate balance between individual rights and national security. While it is not perfect, it strikes an appropriate balance that reflects the values and priorities of Canadian society.

STRATEGY

Section 48(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada sets out a specific process that must be followed if someone is to be charged with treason for openly and knowingly speaking in a way that supports country's enemy nation. While obeying this process is mandatory, there are certain strategic considerations that must be made when dealing with this section of the Criminal Code. These considerations can significantly influence the overall outcome of the case, and they require a careful assessment of various factors, such as the nature and context of the alleged offense, evidence gathering, available defenses, trial strategy, and so on. One critical strategic consideration is the timing of the information laying and warrant for arrest. Since any delay could risk losing crucial evidence and creating doubts in the court's mind, the prosecutor should act quickly in laying the information before a justice and issuing a warrant of arrest within the required time frame of six and ten days, respectively. This ensures that the suspect is apprehended and detained before he can cause any harm or flee from justice. Another strategic consideration is carefully studying the evidence in light of the facts of the case. As trying someone for treason is a severe and sensitive issue, prosecutors must be sure of the evidence they present in court. This could mean gathering hard physical evidence that supports the claims of the act of treason and finding ways to validate oral statements that were supposedly made. The prosecutor must be confident that the evidence is sufficient to prove that the suspect had committed the overt act of treason. Thus, ensuring the quality and validity of the evidence is crucial to win in court. Additionally, in cases where the suspect is indeed guilty of speaking out in favor of the enemy nation, there may still be a chance to reduce the severity of the charges. Negotiating with the defense team and the suspect for a plea bargain, for instance, could lead to reduced charges or a more lenient sentence. Not only is this a way to guarantee a conviction, but it also saves the court’s resources and time. Finally, developing a strong trial strategy is paramount in treason cases. Experienced prosecutors must strategically think of the best ways to connect with the jury, selecting the right language, and creating compelling arguments. As this type of case is often viewed as egregious, prosecutors must be careful not to put off or cause contempt with the jury. Prosecutors should study the jury pool carefully before jury selection to have a broader understanding of what appeals to each juror. In conclusion, treason prosecution under section 48(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada is a severe issue that requires strategic thinking. From evidence gathering to plea bargaining to creating clever arguments in court, prosecutors have a crucial role to play in ensuring that justice is served. By effectively considering the issues highlighted above and other relevant factors, prosecutors can significantly enhance their chances of winning the case and showing the defendant that the consequences of their actions will not go without punishment.