EXPLANATION
Section 645(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada grants judges the power to adjourn trials from time to time within the same sittings. The provision essentially allows judges to postpone proceedings for a reasonable period, without having to start the trial afresh. This provision is particularly useful in situations where the trial is unduly protracted, either because of unforeseen circumstances or delays by either party. For instance, section 645(2) may come into play when a witness is unable to attend court on a scheduled day due to illness, incapacitation, or some other unforeseen event. Instead of canceling the trial outright, the judge can use this provision to adjourn the proceeding to a later date, within the same sitting. This avoids having to start the entire trial over again on a future date, thereby saving time and resources. Additionally, this provision gives the judge the flexibility to manage the trial proceedings efficiently and effectively, ensuring that the interests of justice are served. This may include rescheduling trial dates, issuing subpoenas for witnesses, or taking other administrative measures to ensure that the trial proceeds smoothly. It is important to note that the judge must exercise their discretion to adjourn a trial from time to time judiciously and in the interests of justice. Furthermore, the judge must ensure that fair trial rights of all the parties involved are respected throughout the proceedings. This provision, therefore, plays a vital role in ensuring that justice is served seamlessly in criminal trials, while safeguarding the rights of all concerned parties.
COMMENTARY
Section 645(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada gives judges the power to adjourn a criminal trial from time to time during the same sitting. This section is crucial in the Canadian criminal justice system because it allows flexibility in the timing of criminal proceedings and ensures that justice is served without undue delay. However, the use of this power is subject to certain limitations and restrictions. The purpose of an adjournment is to delay a court proceeding to a later date or time. This allows the parties involved in the litigation to prepare for the next stage of the trial, whether it be for the presentation of new evidence, calling witnesses or taking steps to resolve legal issues in the case. An adjournment may be granted at any stage of the criminal trial, including the pre-trial stage, during the trial, or even after the trial. The power to adjourn a trial under s. 645(2) is one of the key tools used by judges to manage their court calendars and prioritize cases. The decision to adjourn a trial is usually made after considering a number of factors, such as the complexity of the case, the availability of witnesses and parties, the nature of the charges, and the likelihood of a plea bargain. The judge may also take into account the interests of justice and fairness, the impact on the accused, and the need to protect the public interest. One of the key benefits of the power to adjourn a trial is that it allows parties to properly prepare their cases and avoid hasty decision-making. This is particularly important in criminal trials where the stakes are high and the consequences of a conviction or acquittal can be life-changing. An adjournment can be granted by the judge at any time during the trial, which means that parties must always be ready to adjust to changing circumstances and work with their legal representatives to ensure that they are best prepared to present their case. The frequency and duration of adjournments can impact the overall speed and efficiency of the criminal justice system. While adjournments can provide benefits for parties, they can also result in significant delays and increased legal costs. This is why the use of the power to adjourn a trial under s. 645(2) is subject to certain limitations and restrictions. For instance, courts are typically reluctant to grant multiple adjournments or delayed proceedings. This is especially true in serious criminal cases, where the public interest, the need for timely resolution of the case, and the potential impact on victims weigh heavily. An adjournment may also be denied if the requesting party is not able to provide a sufficiently good reason for the requested delay. In conclusion, section 645(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada plays an important role in the criminal justice system by enabling judges to grant adjournments during criminal trials. This power to manage their court calendars and prioritize cases promotes fairness and justice, but it must be used judiciously and with care to avoid unnecessary delays. Ultimately, the goal of the criminal justice system is to ensure the timely and efficient resolution of criminal cases while also upholding the rights and interests of all those involved.
STRATEGY
Section 645(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada provides for the adjournment of a trial from time to time within the same sittings. This provision gives rise to some strategic considerations that must be borne in mind by legal practitioners when dealing with criminal trials. Some of these strategic considerations include: 1. Case Management The provision in section 645(2) is intended to allow judges to manage cases more efficiently and prevent undue disruptions in the trial process. Thus, it is important to ensure effective case management to increase the chances of an adjournment being granted, particularly where multiple adjournments are required. This may involve taking proactive measures such as identifying potential issues, filing relevant motions in advance, and being prepared to address any objections raised by the prosecution. 2. Length of Trial When seeking an adjournment, it is essential to consider the length of the trial and the implications of requesting an adjournment. For instance, if the trial is expected to last for several weeks or months, an adjournment may be necessary to allow for the rescheduling of witnesses or to accommodate unforeseen circumstances. However, where an adjournment will result in further delays and increased costs, it may not be advantageous to seek one. 3. Prejudice to the Accused The accused's right to a fair trial is paramount, and therefore, any adjournment must not prejudice the accused's interests. For instance, if the accused is in custody, an adjournment that results in further detention may not be favourable. Similarly, if there is a likelihood of the evidence being compromised or lost, an adjournment may not be in the accused's interest. 4. Prosecutorial Objections The prosecution has a right to object to an adjournment if it is prejudicial to their case or if it is inconsistent with the interest of justice. Therefore, when seeking an adjournment, it is essential to take into account any arguments that may be raised by the prosecution and to address them adequately. Strategies that can be employed when dealing with section 645(2) of the Criminal Code include: 1. Filing a Joint Request It may be advantageous to seek the agreement of the prosecution to an adjournment and to file a joint request with the court. This approach can be helpful in demonstrating that an adjournment is in the interest of justice and that both parties are committed to the speedy resolution of the trial. 2. Advance Notice Providing advance notice of an adjournment request is crucial as it allows the court, the prosecution, and the defence to adequately prepare and to make necessary arrangements for the trial. This can increase the chances of an adjournment being granted and minimize the potential for unnecessary delays and wastage of resources. 3. Timing of Adjournment Request The timing of an adjournment request is crucial and should be considered strategically. If the request is made too early, it may be difficult to demonstrate the need for an adjournment since circumstances may change before the actual trial date. Conversely, if the request is made too late, it may be insufficient to prevent any prejudice to the accused or the prosecution. In conclusion, section 645(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada provides for the adjournment of a trial from time to time within the same sittings. However, seeking an adjournment requires strategic considerations to ensure that it is in the interest of justice, does not prejudice the accused's rights, and does not disrupt the efficient management of the trial process. Legal practitioners should consider these strategic considerations and employ appropriate strategies when dealing with this section of the Criminal Code of Canada.