section 592

INTRODUCTION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A person can be charged as an accessory after the fact to an offence, regardless of whether the principal or any other party to the offence has been charged or convicted.

SECTION WORDING

592 Any one who is charged with being an accessory after the fact to any offence may be indicted, whether or not the principal or any other party to the offence has been indicted or convicted or is or is not amenable to justice.

EXPLANATION

Section 592 of the Criminal Code of Canada is a provision that deals with accessory after the fact to any offence. It indicates that a person can be charged with this offence regardless of whether the principal or any other party to the offence has been convicted, indicted, or is or is not amenable to justice. In other words, a person who aids or abets an individual after committing a crime can also be charged with a criminal offence. The offence of being an accessory after the fact is a serious crime under Canadian law, and the punishment for such an offence can vary depending on the circumstances of the case. In general, a person convicted of this offence can face imprisonment for a term of up to 14 years. Additionally, an individual found guilty of this offence may also be subject to other penalties such as fines or probation. Section 592 reflects the Canadian criminal justice system's approach to holding individuals accountable for their involvement in criminal activities. It ensures that individuals who assist or conceal offenders are also punished for their role in any criminal activities. This provision highlights the importance of reporting and disclosing any information relating to a criminal offence to the authorities, as failure to do so can result in being held liable as an accessory after the fact. In conclusion, Section 592 of the Criminal Code of Canada serves as a warning to anyone who intends to assist a criminal after committing an offence. It reinforces the principle that aiding and abetting individuals after committing a crime is just as culpable as committing the crime itself. Thus, it is crucial to understand this section of the Criminal Code of Canada to prevent one from unwittingly becoming involved in any criminal activity.

COMMENTARY

Section 592 of the Criminal Code of Canada states that any individual who is charged with being an accessory after the fact to any offence can be indicted, regardless of whether or not the principal offender has been indicted or convicted or is amenable to justice. The section is created to address the criminal actions of individuals who may assist, aid or abet other individuals who are involved in criminal activities. This section is significant because it allows the authorities to assign criminal liability and prosecute individuals who are involved in criminal activity but did not commit the crime's primary offence. The accessory will not be charged using the principle of constructive liability, as is common in some countries. However, they may be prosecuted if they help the principal offender escape or evade arrest, prevent justice from being served or destroy evidence. In contrast, individuals who protect, conceal or provide any form of assistance to perpetrators after the commission of a crime will likely be considered as being involved in aiding and abetting, hence liable to the law. The section is also significant because it ensures that individuals cannot walk free from their criminal actions merely because the primary offender has not been caught, indicted or is beyond the reach of justice. Even in cases where the individual who committed the primary offence has died, fled or cannot be identified, individuals who are found to have information concerning the crime or facilitated the crime in any way will still face punishment under the law. This law applies in circumstances where an accessory after the fact participates in the crime directly or indirectly. For example, if an individual assists an offender to evade arrest after committing a crime, such as by providing shelter or transportation, they could become an accessory after the fact. Similarly, if an individual knows or suspects a person has committed a crime and assists that person in any way, they can be said to be an accessory after the fact. Furthermore, this section helps to deter individuals from colluding with criminals and encouraging the commission of crimes. It gives individuals an added incentive to refrain from participating in criminal activity or helping criminals because they know that they are likely to be indicted and prosecuted for their actions. Hence, the provision serves as a disincentive to individuals who may be considering supporting criminal activity, as they will have to face the law when caught. In conclusion, Section 592 of the Criminal Code of Canada is an essential provision that helps to bring individuals who participate in criminal activity to account. It ensures that all individuals involved in the commission of an offence face the full consequences of their actions, regardless of whether the principal offender is identified or indictable. This provision reinforces the criminal justice system's integrity, promotes accountability and helps to deter individuals from participating in criminal activity.

STRATEGY

Legal professionals must take into account a range of strategic considerations when dealing with Section 592 of the Criminal Code of Canada. This section outlines the potential charges, penalties, and legal arguments that can arise when someone is charged as an accessory after the fact to an offense. One major consideration is the nature of the offense in question. An accessory charge can only be brought in situations where the primary offense has already been committed. If the charges against the primary offender are still pending, it may be premature to pursue an accessory charge. Alternatively, if the primary offender has been acquitted, it may be more difficult to pursue an accessory charge effectively. Legal professionals must also consider the strength of the evidence against the accused to determine whether a defense or plea deal might be preferable. Another strategic consideration is the potential impact of an accessory conviction. In some cases, a conviction for accessory after the fact can result in serious penalties, including lengthy prison terms and significant fines. Additionally, a conviction could adversely affect the accused's future employment prospects, reputation, and ability to travel internationally. A legal professional may consider whether a plea deal or other settlement would be preferable to protracted litigation. A key strategy for dealing with accessory charges is to challenge the evidence. Prosecutors often rely on a variety of sources to establish the elements of the crime, including witness statements, surveillance footage, and physical evidence. An experienced criminal defense attorney may be able to challenge aspects of the evidence and undermine the prosecution's case. For example, an attorney may be able to argue that the accused was not aware that they were assisting a criminal after the fact or that their actions did not rise to the level necessary to support a criminal conviction. Another strategy is to negotiate for a lesser charge or reduced sentence. In some cases, a prosecutor may be open to negotiating a plea deal that involves a lesser offense and/or a reduced sentence. This could be particularly effective if the accused has cooperated with law enforcement or has provided information that is useful for solving other crimes. Overall, when dealing with Section 592 of the Criminal Code of Canada, legal professionals must carefully consider the evidence, the strength of the prosecution's case, and the potential impact of a conviction. By developing effective legal arguments and strategies, attorneys can help clients navigate the criminal justice system and potentially avoid the most severe penalties associated with accessory after the fact charges.