section 606(3)

INTRODUCTION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

The court may adjourn a trial if the accused needs more time to prepare or for any other reason.

SECTION WORDING

606(3) An accused is not entitled as of right to have his trial postponed but the court may, if it considers that the accused should be allowed further time to plead, move to quash or prepare for his defence or for any other reason, adjourn the trial to a later time in the session or sittings of the court, or to the next of any subsequent session or sittings of the court, on such terms as the court considers proper.

EXPLANATION

Section 606(3) of the Criminal Code of Canada outlines the circumstances under which an accused person may request the postponement of their trial. According to the section, an accused person does not have an automatic right to a trial postponement, but the court may grant the request if it deems it necessary. The reasons for a trial postponement may vary widely, but the section suggests that it may be due to several factors such as allowing the accused person additional time to plead, preparing their defence, or for any other reason that supports the interests of justice. It leaves the decision to the discretion of the court, and they will consider the fairness of the trial before granting the request. The Section also specifies that the adjournment conditions should be determined by the court, considering what is appropriate in each case. The court may decide to adjourn the trial to a later time during the current session or sittings of the court, or to the next or any subsequent sittings of the court. This provision provides considerable flexibility for the court to accommodate requests for deferment while also ensuring that the interests of justice are maintained. In conclusion, the purpose of this section is to ensure that an accused person has sufficient time to prepare their defence, but also, to guarantee that criminal trials are conducted in a timely and efficient manner. It sends a strong message that the court considers the importance of the interests of justice while balancing the need for an efficient criminal justice system.

COMMENTARY

Section 606(3) of the Criminal Code of Canada outlines the circumstances in which an accused person may have their trial postponed. The section provides that an accused person is not entitled to a postponement as a matter of right, but the court may grant one if it deems it necessary for various reasons. The reasons for a postponement may include the need for an accused person to have further time to plead, to move to quash, or prepare their defense. Other reasons may be considered by the court in deciding whether to grant a postponement, and the terms on which it is granted. The importance of this section lies in its role in ensuring that justice is administered fairly and efficiently. The Criminal Code outlines a range of procedural requirements that must be met in order for a criminal trial to be conducted fairly. These requirements aim to protect the rights of accused persons and ensure that the trial process is fair, impartial, and efficient. Section 606(3) plays an important part in this process by allowing the court to grant postponements when they are necessary to ensure that the accused individuals' rights are protected in the trial process. This may involve granting them additional time to prepare their defense or to obtain other forms of legal assistance. While this section may be controversial for some who may argue that it may enable an accused person to manipulate the system for their advantage, it is important to take into account the myriad factors that affect the ability of an accused person to present their defense. These include factors such as access to legal representation, the complexity of the case, and the availability of evidence. Ultimately, the section provides flexibility for the court to ensure that the trial process is fair in every case. By granting the power to postpone trials on a case-by-case basis, the court can balance the interests of the accused with the need to ensure that justice is served for all those involved in the case. In conclusion, Section 606(3) of the Criminal Code of Canada is a critical aspect of the Canadian criminal justice system. It provides courts with the flexibility they need to balance the interests of the accused with the need for justice to be served. By ensuring that accused individuals have adequate time to prepare their defense and access legal representation, this section helps to ensure that the trial process is fair and just for all individuals involved.

STRATEGY

Section 606(3) of the Criminal Code of Canada provides the court with the discretion to adjourn a trial to a later time in the session or sittings of the court, on such terms as the court considers proper. As such, it is important for both the prosecution and the defence to consider the strategic implications of this provision when navigating a criminal trial. One strategic consideration for the defence is to request an adjournment if they require more time to prepare their case. This may be especially important if the defence has recently taken over the case from another lawyer or if new evidence has surfaced that requires further investigation. The defence can use the adjournment to conduct necessary investigations, gather evidence, and prepare for trial, thereby ensuring that their client has the best possible defence. Alternatively, if the defence believes that an adjournment would be detrimental to their case, they may waive their right to an adjournment to expedite the trial process. This may be particularly relevant if the defendant is in custody and wishes to have their trial resolved quickly. For the prosecution, a strategic consideration may be to oppose an adjournment if they believe that the defence is attempting to delay the trial. In such cases, the prosecution may argue that the adjournment would not be in the interests of justice or that the defence has had sufficient time to prepare their case. However, if the adjournment is in the interests of justice, the prosecution may also agree to a reasonable adjournment in order to ensure a fair trial. Another strategic consideration for both parties is the timing of the adjournment. The court may adjourn the trial to the next session or sittings of the court, which could be months or even years away. If the trial is adjourned to a later date, the defence may use this time to negotiate a plea deal or to ensure that their client is out on bail. On the other hand, if the trial is adjourned to a later date, the prosecution may continue to build their case by gathering additional evidence to ensure a successful prosecution. In conclusion, section 606(3) of the Criminal Code of Canada provides the court with the authority to adjourn a trial to a later date if it is deemed necessary. Both the defence and the prosecution should carefully consider the strategic implications of this provision and whether an adjournment would be in the best interests of their respective clients. Ultimately, the decision to adjourn a trial rests with the court, which will weigh the interests of justice against the rights of the accused.