section 624(1)

INTRODUCTION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

This section outlines the necessary information required to make up the record of a conviction or acquittal on an indictment.

SECTION WORDING

624(1) It is sufficient, in making up the record of a conviction or acquittal on an indictment, to copy the indictment and the plea that was pleaded, without a formal caption or heading.

EXPLANATION

Section 624(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada pertains to the requirements for creating a record of a conviction or acquittal on an indictment. In summary, this section stipulates that it is sufficient to copy the indictment and the plea that was entered without the need for a formal caption or heading. An indictment is a formal written accusation that charges an individual with a crime. In Canada, an indictment is typically used for more serious criminal offences, such as murder or fraud, and is presented by a prosecutor at a preliminary hearing or grand jury. When a defendant pleads guilty or not guilty to an indictment, a record of that plea is created. The purpose of recording a conviction or acquittal on an indictment is to create a legal record of the court's decision in the case. This record is important not only for legal purposes but also for administrative purposes, such as tracking convicted offenders or updating criminal records. Section 624(1) streamlines the process of creating a record of a conviction or acquittal on an indictment by allowing the inclusion of only the essential elements of the case. By copying the indictment and plea without the need for formal headings, the process of creating a legal record is made more efficient and less time-consuming. In conclusion, Section 624(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada simplifies the record-keeping process for convictions and acquittals on indictments. By providing clear guidelines, this section ensures that legal records are created efficiently, but without sacrificing the accuracy and completeness of the information contained therein.

COMMENTARY

Section 624(1) of the Canadian Criminal Code lays down the procedure for recording the details of a criminal conviction or acquittal. According to this section, it is sufficient to copy the indictment and the plea that was pleaded, without the need for a formal caption or heading. This section of the Criminal Code serves as a time-saving and cost-effective measure in the criminal justice system. By eliminating the need for a formal caption or heading, it streamlines the process of recording criminal proceedings, simplifying the workflow of courts and other legal authorities. Furthermore, this section provides a vital backup system should any legal document be lost or misplaced. In these cases, the clear and concise record provided by this section is an effective way of ensuring that the details of the proceedings are not lost, and that justice can still be carried out. However, it is important to note that Section 624(1) is not a substitute for a complete and accurate record of a criminal proceeding. While the section does provide a simplified record, it may not always capture the nuances and intricacies of the legal proceedings. Therefore, it should not be treated as a comprehensive account of the proceedings, and should be used in conjunction with other legal documents and records. Moreover, this section of the Criminal Code also highlights the importance of accurate and effective documentation in the criminal justice system. Without accurate records, it can be challenging to pursue justice and ensure that the legal process is fair and just. As such, it is important for legal authorities to maintain detailed and accurate records of criminal proceedings to uphold the integrity of the system. In conclusion, Section 624(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada provides a simplified and effective way of recording criminal proceedings. While this section serves a vital purpose in the legal system, it should not be viewed as a substitute for complete and accurate records. As such, legal authorities must ensure that they maintain detailed and comprehensive records of criminal proceedings to uphold the integrity of the justice system.

STRATEGY

Section 624(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada provides technical guidance on how a record of a conviction or acquittal on an indictment should be made. Although this section may seem straightforward, there are several strategic considerations that should be taken into account when dealing with it. The first strategic consideration is that the accuracy of the record of conviction or acquittal is critical. This means that every aspect of the indictment and plea must be accurately captured to avoid any future legal ambiguities. Failure to accurately record the indictment or plea can lead to challenges of the conviction or acquittal, possibly resulting in a costly appeal or retrial. Another strategic consideration is to ensure that all relevant information is included in the record. This includes any factors that contributed to the decision, such as the judge's reasoning or any mitigating or aggravating circumstances. Capturing as much information as possible in the record can help to ensure that it is complete and can be referred to in the future if needed. A third strategic consideration is to consider the potential impact of the record on future legal proceedings. For example, the record of a conviction may be used as evidence in a subsequent civil lawsuit. It is therefore important to ensure that the record is accurate, complete, and consistent with any future legal actions that may arise. One strategy that can be employed when dealing with Section 624(1) is to have a legal professional review the record before it is finalized. This can help to identify any errors or omissions and ensure that the record is accurate and complete. In addition, legal professionals can often provide valuable insight into the potential impact of the record on future legal proceedings. Another strategy that can be employed is to implement a rigorous review process for all records of conviction or acquittal. This can include multiple levels of review, with each level designed to identify and correct any errors or omissions. Overall, Section 624(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada provides technical guidance for making up the record of a conviction or acquittal on an indictment. However, it is important to consider the strategic implications of this section to ensure that the record is accurate, complete, and consistent with any future legal actions that may arise. By taking these strategic considerations into account, legal professionals can help to ensure that the record is a reliable and useful resource for all relevant parties.