section 810.1(2)

INTRODUCTION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A provincial court judge may call parties to appear if they receive information under subsection 810.1(1).

SECTION WORDING

810.1(2) A provincial court judge who receives an information under subsection (1) may cause the parties to appear before a provincial court judge.

EXPLANATION

Section 810.1(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada pertains to a process known as a "peace bond," which is a legal agreement between a person who fears for their safety and the person who they believe may harm them. The process begins when an individual (the "informant") applies to a provincial court judge for a peace bond against another person (the "respondent") who they believe may commit a criminal offense against them. Under this section, if a provincial court judge receives an information/application under subsection (1), they can schedule a hearing where both the informant and the respondent must appear before the judge. The judge will evaluate the situation based on the evidence presented by both parties and decide whether or not to impose a peace bond. If a peace bond is imposed, the respondent must comply with certain conditions, such as abstaining from contact with the informant or possessing a weapon. Violating the conditions of a peace bond can result in criminal charges. The purpose of this section is to provide a legal mechanism for people to protect themselves from potential harm from someone they believe may be dangerous. By allowing a judge to assess the situation and impose a peace bond, it gives the informant a measure of protection while also maintaining the rights of the respondent. Overall, this section serves an important function in promoting public safety and preventing potential criminal offenses.

COMMENTARY

Section 810.1(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada grants a substantial amount of power to provincial court judges in determining whether someone should be subject to a peace bond. A peace bond is essentially a legal agreement between the person who is considered a potential danger to the community and the Canadian government that ensures that person will not engage in any future threatening activities against individuals or groups. The law gives a judge the ability to convene the parties to the case and determine whether the potential danger is legitimate. If a judge determines that the threat is real and that the person in question is likely to carry out an act of violence, they may issue a peace bond. Peace bonds are not a form of punishment, but rather a means of ensuring that the recipient will not pose a threat to the public. The reasoning behind the peace bond system is to prevent harm before it even begins. This method of preventative justice aligns with Canadian values of compassion and community safety. Rather than punishing someone after they have committed a crime, this system seeks to prevent the crime from happening altogether. The idea is that if someone is threatening to harm others, it's better to intervene early on rather than wait until someone is hurt. At the same time, there are concerns that the peace bond system could infringe upon individuals' rights. Because the peace bond is not a form of punishment, the standard of proof required is lower than that of a criminal conviction. This means that someone could be subject to a peace bond even if they have not committed a crime, but simply have someone believing they may pose a danger to the community. In this way, the peace bond system could be seen as a potential violation of an individual's presumption of innocence. Moreover, the peace bond system is relatively new and untested. There is not yet a large body of research on the effectiveness of peace bonds in preventing violent crimes. There may be some instances where peace bonds are successful in diffusing a dangerous situation, but it is also possible that they do not work as well in practice as they do in theory. To conclude, while Section 810.1(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada grants power to judges to prevent dangerous activities, it is imperative that the system is used judiciously so as not to infringe on individual rights. Further, more research is required to assess the effectiveness of peace bonds in preventing harm to the community.

STRATEGY

Section 810.1(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada provides a means for individuals to obtain a peace bond against another individual who they fear may commit a criminal offense against them. If an individual believes that another person may harm them, this provision enables them to approach the court for a restraining order that will forbid the other person from contacting or being close to the potential victim. This provision is a crucial tool for safeguarding individuals from possible harm, and it is essential for lawyers and their clients to understand the implications of this provision and develop effective strategies to mitigate the risk of harm against their clients. Strategic Considerations: The strategic considerations when dealing with Section 810.1(2) include the following: 1. The evidence required: To obtain a peace bond under this section, the individual seeking the protection must provide evidence to convince a judge that the other person may commit a criminal offense against them. The person must show that they have a reasonable fear of imminent harm. The evidence required can include a variety of examples such as threats made, past criminal records, history of violence, and other relevant evidence that supports the beliefs of the victim. 2. Burden of proof: The burden of proving reasonable grounds for the peace bond rests on the person seeking protection. The standard is lower than that required for proving a criminal offense beyond reasonable doubt. The individual only has to demonstrate that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the other person might harm them, making the process of obtaining a peace bond less complex than other legal matters. 3. Urgency: An application for a peace bond under this section can be made at any time. Therefore, if the victim wants to obtain protection quickly, this means can provide temporary protection until the final hearing is held. However, it is important to note that in certain cases; victims might want to obtain a protection order before an event that they perceive as a potential harm is likely to happen. Strategies: The following strategies may be employed when dealing with section 810.1(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada: 1. Conduct a thorough evaluation: The lawyer representing the individual seeking protection must conduct a thorough evaluation of the client's situation to determine if requesting a peace bond is necessary. The lawyer must examine the client's interactions with the person they fear; this includes any past incidents that may support the client's claim. 2. Gathering evidence: It is essential to gather all necessary evidence to support the application of a peace bond. This includes any threats or other evidence of fear of violence from the person against whom the protection is being sought. Witnesses who can testify about past incidents may further strengthen the case. 3. Timely filing of the application: In most cases, obtaining a peace bond is time-sensitive. If the situation potentially poses harm to the client's safety, the lawyer must ensure that the application is filed as soon as practicably possible. This will provide immediate temporary protection to the client while waiting for the final hearing. 4. Prepare the client for the hearing: The lawyer representing the client should prepare the client for the hearing. This should involve providing a detailed explanation of what to expect, the relevant procedures, and the evidence to be presented. 5. Alternative solutions: In some cases, other alternatives might be more appropriate, such as a restraining order or a criminal complaint. A lawyer must evaluate the situation to determine the most suitable legal action. Conclusion: Section 810.1(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada is an essential tool to provide peace of mind to individuals who fear violence from another party. Lawyers and their clients can use it to protect their clients from harm while enjoying the peace and security that it provides. A lawyer must evaluate the situation and develop an effective strategy that considers the legal complexities surrounding this section to achieve the best possible outcome for their client.