section 554(1)

INTRODUCTION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

This section allows an accused to choose to be tried by a provincial court judge for an indictable offence that does not fall under section 469 and is not within the jurisdiction of a provincial court judge under section 553.

SECTION WORDING

554(1) Subject to subsection (2), if an accused is charged in an information with an indictable offence other than an offence that is mentioned in section 469, and the offence is not one over which a provincial court judge has absolute jurisdiction under section 553, a provincial court judge may try the accused if the accused elects to be tried by a provincial court judge.

EXPLANATION

Section 554(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada provides individuals charged with an indictable offence (excluding those mentioned in section 469) the option to be tried in provincial court, provided that the offence is not one that falls under the jurisdiction of a provincial court judge under section 553. This section allows for greater flexibility in the adjudication of criminal offences and provides individuals the option to have their case heard in a less complex court system. Additionally, it can expedite the legal process by avoiding the time and resources required for a trial in a higher court, while also potentially reducing costs for both the accused and the justice system. However, it is important to note that individuals must weigh the potential benefits of a provincial court trial with the corresponding limitations. Trials in a provincial court may not have the same level of procedural protections as in higher courts, and sentencing options may also be more limited. Ultimately, the decision to elect to be tried in a provincial court rests with the accused, and should be made with the guidance of legal counsel. In summary, section 554(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada provides individuals charged with certain indictable offences the opportunity to choose their mode of trial, while also supporting greater efficiency in the criminal justice system.

COMMENTARY

Section 554(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada outlines the circumstances under which a provincial court judge may try an accused person charged with an indictable offence. This section provides an accused with the option of electing to be tried by a provincial court judge instead of being tried by a superior court judge. The purpose of this provision is to provide an accused person with an alternative forum for the trial of an indictable offence, other than a superior court. This is particularly relevant for less serious offences, where the accused may choose to have a simpler and more streamlined trial in a provincial court. The use of this provision is limited to indictable offences, which are criminal offences that carry a penalty of more than six months imprisonment. However, there are limitations as to which indictable offences can be tried in a provincial court. The section excludes those offences that are mentioned in section 469 of the Criminal Code, such as murder or treason where the accused must be tried by a superior court judge. Furthermore, an offence that is over which a provincial court judge has absolute jurisdiction under section 553, will also not be eligible for trial under section 554(1). Section 553 establishes the jurisdiction of provincial courts and outlines the offences over which a provincial court judge has exclusive jurisdiction, such as summary conviction offences. The election to be tried by a provincial court judge must be made by the accused. The accused must be informed of their right to elect trial by a superior court judge and the potential consequences of electing a trial in a provincial court. The elected trial will be conducted in accordance with the rules and procedures applicable to a trial in a superior court. The provincial court judge will be responsible for presiding over the trial, and the hearing will be conducted in the same manner as a superior court judge. If the accused is convicted, the sentencing will be carried out in accordance with the Criminal Code, regardless of the court in which the conviction was entered. This means that the sentence will be the same, regardless of whether the trial was conducted in a superior or provincial court. In conclusion, section 554(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada is an important provision in ensuring that accused persons are provided with a fair trial. The provision provides an accused person charged with an indictable offence an option of electing to be tried by a provincial court judge instead of being tried by a superior court judge. The section allows for a simplified process where the accused may choose to have a more streamlined trial in a provincial court. However, there are limitations on the offences that can be tried in a provincial court, and the accused must be informed of their right to elect trial by a superior court judge.

STRATEGY

Section 554(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada provides an option for an accused person charged with an indictable offence, other than those listed in Section 469, to elect to be tried by a provincial court judge. This option is not available for offences that fall under Section 553 of the Criminal Code, which confers absolute jurisdiction to the provincial court. When dealing with this section of the Criminal Code, a number of strategic considerations arise. One such consideration is the potential advantages and disadvantages of a judge-alone trial versus a trial by judge and jury. Another consideration is the likelihood of a conviction or an acquittal and the potential consequences of each outcome. Criminal defence lawyers will carefully weigh all of these factors in order to advise their clients on whether to opt for a trial by judge alone or proceed with a jury trial. One of the advantages of a trial by judge alone is that it can be quicker and less expensive than a trial by judge and jury. A judge-alone trial can also be beneficial where the evidence is complex and a judge may be better equipped to understand it than a jury. Additionally, if the Crown's case is weak, a judge may be more likely to grant a directed verdict of acquittal, which would result in a more expedient conclusion to the case. On the other hand, a trial by judge and jury can also have strategic advantages. For example, it may be easier to sympathize with a defendant when the facts surrounding the crime are presented to a jury rather than a judge alone. This is because a jury is more likely to identify with the experiences and background of the accused person. Another advantage is that the prosecution must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt to all 12 jurors, rather than just one judge, which could result in a hung jury, and retrial will be ordered. Another consideration is the likelihood of a conviction and the potential consequences of such a conviction. If the accused person believes that there is a high probability of being convicted in a jury trial, they may be more likely to choose a judge-alone trial. This could be because they believe that a judge would impose a more lenient sentence than a jury. However, in some cases, a jury may be more likely to acquit the accused, particularly if they are sympathetic to the accused or if the evidence is not strong enough to support a conviction. In terms of strategies that could be employed, the accused person has the option of electing a trial by a provincial court judge or a superior court judge. The superior court has more powers of punishment than a provincial court judge if the accused is convicted. Therefore, if the accused is seeking a lesser sentence, they may opt to elect a trial by a provincial court judge. Another strategy that could be considered is whether or not to consent to a preliminary inquiry. This is because a preliminary inquiry may help the accused person by revealing any weaknesses in the prosecution's case and providing an opportunity to challenge the admissibility of certain evidence. However, a preliminary inquiry may also harm the accused if it provides the Crown with additional evidence or exposes the accused to cross-examination, which may weaken their case. Finally, it is important to note that this section of the Criminal Code is not available for all offences, particularly those that fall under Section 553. When choosing between a trial by judge and jury or a judge-alone trial, the accused person and their legal counsel must carefully consider all relevant factors in order to make an informed decision that best serves the interests of the accused and achieves the most favorable outcome.