View source for Right Against Self-Crimination

{{LevelZero}}{{HeaderAdmissions}}
==General Principles==
{{seealso|Principles of Fundamental Justice}}
The right against self-crimination and right to silence protects an accused from cooperating in their own conviction and abuse by state power. 

The right consist of the following:<ref>
''R v Darrach'', [2000] 2 SCR 443, [http://canlii.ca/t/523t 2000 SCC 46] (CanLII){{perSCC|Gothier}}{{at|54}} ("The accused specifically objects to having to submit the affidavit on the grounds that it compels him to reveal his defence and to disclose evidence he hopes to call at trial.  He claims that this violates his right to silence.  The right to silence in s. 7 properly speaking comprises the right to silence before trial and the privilege against self-incrimination at trial; it is inaccurate to speak of an absolute right to silence at the trial stage of the criminal process")</ref>
# the right to silence before trial and 
# the "privilege against self-crimination".

It also includes the right to choose whether to make a statement to authorities.<ref>
see also ''R v Broyles'', [http://canlii.ca/t/1fshb 1991 CanLII 15] (SCC), [1991] 3 SCR 595{{perSCC|Iacobucci J}}<br>
{{supra1|Hebert}}{{at|47}}<br>
''R v Liew'', [http://canlii.ca/t/1fqjh 1999 CanLII 658] (SCC), [1999] 3 SCR 227{{perSCC|Major J}}<br>
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}
=== Source and Purpose ===
This right is a principle of fundamental justice under s. 7 of the Charter.<ref>
section 7 states "Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of the person and the right not to be deprived thereof except in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice."<bR>
''R v Hebert'', [1990] 2 SCR 151, [http://canlii.ca/t/1fst9 1990 CanLII 118] (SCC){{perSCC|McLachlin J}} - first recognition of protection under s. 7 of Charter, stating that "[t]he essence of the right to silence is that the suspect be given a choice; the right is quite simply the freedom to choose -- the freedom to speak to the authorities on the one hand, and the freedom to refuse to make a statement to them on the other.")<br>
''R v Chambers'', [http://canlii.ca/t/1fsrt 1990 CanLII 47] (SCC), [1990] 2 SCR 1293{{perSCC|Cory J}}<br>
</ref>
This right is also part of the protections found in s. 11(c) of the Charter which states that "[a]ny person charged with an offence has the right... (c) not to be compelled to be a witness in proceedings against that person in respect of the offence".

The purpose of the right to silence is to "limit the use of the coercive power of the state to force an individual to incriminate himself", it is not simply to protect a person from incriminating himself per se.<ref>
{{supra1|Broyles}}{{at|22}}</ref>

It is considered a "manifestation of the presumption of innocence".<ref>
{{supra1|Broyles}}<br>
{{supra1|Hebert}}<br>
''R v Chambers'', 1990 CanLII 47 (SCC), [1990] 2 S.C.R. 1293{{fix}}<br>
</ref>

The "right to silence" originates from the common law.<ref>
See discussion in Thomson Newspapers Inc. v Canada, [http://canlii.ca/t/1fsz8 1990 CanLII 135] (SCC), [1990] 1 SCR 425{{Plurality}}{{atps|599-601}}</ref>
It is a constitutional right under s. 7 and s. 11(c).<ref>
Section s. 7 includes the "right to silence" as a [[Principles of Fundamental Justice]] as stated in ''R v Hebert'', [http://canlii.ca/t/1fst9 1990 CanLII 118] (SCC), [1990] 2 SCR 151{{perSCC|McLachlin J}}<Br>
Section 10(c) provides "11. Any person charged with an offence has the right ... (c) not to be compelled to be a witness in proceedings against that person in respect of the offence;"
</ref>

The right to silence has been described as "an expression of one of the fundamental decencies in the relationship we have developed between government and man".<ref>
Griswald, Professor Erwin N. (1955) The Fifth Amendment Today, Harvard University Press, Cambridge. Cited in: Thomas, Hon. Mr JusticeE.W. (1991) “The So-Called Right to Silence”, New Zealand Universities Law Review, vol. 24, p 314
</ref>

Critics have described it as "the greatest obstacle to efficient criminal law enforcement" that "contributes to the high success ratio of crime", "frustrates police, comforts criminals and encourages disrespect for the law".<ref>
Edson Haines, Studies in Canadian Criminal Evidence, R. Salhany and R. Carter ed. (Toronto: Butterworths, 1972), at 322
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

==Contents of Right==

; Accused Not Required to Cooperate or Participate in Prosecution
No person will be compelled to assist the state in his own prosecution unless by statute.<ref>
''RJS v The Queen'', [http://canlii.ca/t/1frmw 1995 CanLII 121] (SCC), [1995] 1 SCR 451{{Plurality}}<br>
''R v Turcotte'', [http://canlii.ca/t/1lpk3 2005 SCC 50] (CanLII), [2005] 2 SCR 519{{perSCC|Abella J}}<br>
''R v MBP'', [1994] 1 SCR 555, [http://canlii.ca/t/1frvf 1994 CanLII 125] (SCC), (5:4){{perSCC|Lamer CJ}} for Majority{{at|36}} ("Perhaps the single most important organizing principle in criminal law is the right of an accused not to be forced into assisting in his or her own prosecution")<br>
</ref>

Where it is required under statute, it does not mean that the evidence given can necessarily be used in a prosecution against the accused.<ref>
''R v Jarvis'', [2002] 3 SCR 757, [http://canlii.ca/t/50d7 2002 SCC 73] (CanLII){{perSCC|Iacobucci and Major JJ}}
</ref>

There is no duty on the part of the accused to assist in any way with the prosecution.<ref>
''R v Stinchcombe'', [1991] 3 SCR 326, [http://canlii.ca/t/1fsgp 1991 CanLII 45] (SCC){{perSCC|Sopinka J}}{{atp|333}}<br>
''R v MBP'', [http://canlii.ca/t/1frvf 1994 CanLII 125] (SCC){{perSCC|Lamer CJ}}{{atp|578}}
</ref>
; No Negative Inferences to Refusal to Cooperate 
The exercise of the right to silence cannot generally be used for any "positive evidence to infer guilt".<ref>
{{supra1|WL}}{{at|18}}<br>
''R v Creighton'', [http://canlii.ca/t/1frls 1995 CanLII 138] (SCC), [1995] 1 SCR 858{{perSCC|Sopinka J}}{{at|38}}<br>
</ref>
This includes drawing adverse inferences of credibility against the accused.<ref>
''R v Palmer'', [http://canlii.ca/t/21pt3 2008 ONCA 797] (CanLII){{TheCourtONCA}}{{at|9}}<br>
</ref> 

Pre-trial silence cannot be used as positive evidence of guilt.<ref>
''R v Crawford'', [http://canlii.ca/t/1frls 1995 CanLII 138]{{perSCC|Sopinka J}}{{at|38}}
</ref> 
Nor can it be used to incriminate the accuse or impeach their credibility.<ref>
''R v Turcotte'', [http://canlii.ca/t/1lpk3 2005 SCC 50] (CanLII){{perSCC|Abella J}}{{at|48}}<Br>
''R v Poirier'' (2000), [http://canlii.ca/t/1fb8w 2000 CanLII 3294] (ONCA){{perONCA|Borins JA}}{{at|18}} ( “when it is the accused whose testimony is being impeached, an allegation that he or she did not speak out, or give an explanation of his or her conduct, at an early opportunity, conflicts with his or her right to remain silent”)<Br>
''R v Rivera'', [http://canlii.ca/t/fknfs 2011 ONCA 225] (CanLII){{perONCA|LaForme JA}}{{atps|114-19}}<Br>
''R v Palmer'', [http://canlii.ca/t/21pt3 2008 ONCA 797] (CanLII){{TheCourtONCA}}{{at|9}}<br>
''R v Rohde'', [http://canlii.ca/t/23tcr 2009 ONCA 463] (CanLII){{perONCA|Laskin JA}}{{at|18}}<br>
</ref>

; Violation of Right
The determination of whether the right to silence is on an objective standard.<ref>
{{supra1|Hebert}} ("The test to determine whether the suspect’s choice has been violated is essentially objective")
</ref>

; Permissible Crown Counsel Conduct
The crown may cross-examine on post-arrest silence where the accused makes it an issue at trial.<ref>
{{supra1|WL}}<Br>
''R v MCW'', [http://canlii.ca/t/5k7c 2002 BCCA 341] (CanLII){{perBCCA| Huddart JA}}<br>
See also [[Cross-Examinations]]
</ref>
However, limiting instructions must be given.<ref>
{{ibid1|MCW}}<br>
</ref>

; Requests by Police
It is possible for police to request that the accused participate in a line-up or polygraph, however, it may be necessary the person be permitted to access counsel before participating.<ref>
''R v Ross'', [1989] 1 SCR 3, [http://canlii.ca/t/1ft8b 1989 CanLII 134] (SCC){{fix}}
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

===Silence at Investigative Stage===
The right begins only after the suspect is detained and not anytime before.<ref>
''R v Hebert'', [1990] 2 SCR 151, [http://canlii.ca/t/1fst9 1990 CanLII 118] (SCC){{perSCC|McLachlin J}}
</ref>

An accused person has the right to remain silent at the investigative as well as the trial stage of a prosecution.<ref>
''R v WL'', [http://canlii.ca/t/gg1x5 2015 ONCA 37] (CanLII){{perONCA|Speyer JA}}{{at|18}}<Br>
{{supra1|Chambers}}{{at|50}}<br>
''R v Collins'', Collins, [1987] 1 SCR 265, [http://canlii.ca/t/1ftnd 1987 CanLII 84] (SCC){{fix}} - first recognition of right to silence in interview
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

===Silence at the Trial Stage===
The right does ''not'' include the full right to silence at the trial stage of the process.<ref>
{{supra1|Darrach}}{{at|54}}
</ref>

; Accused Cannot be Forced to Testify
The accused can never be forced to testify in their own trial. If the accused chooses to testify they are protected from having any prior testimony they have given, be it in criminal or civil context, from being used to incriminate them.

; No Obligation to Reveal Defence Evidence
The right to silence extends throughout the proceedings. It includes preparation of the defence wherein the accused does not have any obligation to reveal the defence evidence at any point before calling evidence.<ref>
''R v Chambers'', [http://canlii.ca/t/1fsrt 1990 CanLII 47] (SCC), [1990] 2 SCR 1293, 80 CR (3d) 235{{perSCC|Cory J}} at 256
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}
===Agency===
; State Agency
The right to silence relates to authorities including agents of the state and undercover police.<ref>
{{supra1|Broyles}}</ref>

A psychologist who receives a spontaneous confession is not a state agent.<ref>
''R v Gallup'', [http://canlii.ca/t/1j2xl 2004 ABCA 322] (CanLII){{perABCA|Fruman JA}}<Br>
see also [[Charter Applications#State Agent]]
</ref>

; Duties of State Actors
The police do not have a constitutional obligation to provide a detainee a specific caution of his right to silence.<ref>
{{supra1|Liew}}<br>
''R v Van Den Meerssche'', [1989] BCJ No. 2366 (BCCA), [http://canlii.ca/t/gbslp 1989 CanLII 7133] (BC CA){{perBCCA|Wallace JA}}<br>
</ref> 

The application of the right with respect to undercover officers depends on whether the officer merely "observed" the statement or "actively elicited" the statement.<ref>
{{supra1|Liew}}<br>
{{supra1|Hebert}}<br>
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}
===Exceptions===
; Permissible Police Conduct and Questioning
The right to silence does not limit the police's right to question a suspect after they have had access to counsel. There is no restriction on the use of reasonable persuasion techniques so long as voluntariness remains.<ref>
{{supra1|Hebert}}<br>
''R v Singh'', [http://canlii.ca/t/1tf56 2007 SCC 48] (CanLII), [2007] 3 SCR 405{{perSCC|Charron J}}{{at|28}} ("What the common law recognizes is the individual’s right to ''remain'' silent. This does not mean, however, that a person has the right not to be spoken to by state authorities.  The importance of police questioning in the fulfilment of their investigative role cannot be doubted.")
</ref>

The use of persuasion "short of denying the suspect the right to choose or of depriving him of an operating mind, does not breach the right to silence".<ref>
{{supra1|Hebert}}</ref> 
The persuasive technique must maintain the "critical balance ... between individual and societal interests.".<ref>
{{supra1|Singh}}
</ref>

A police officer's persistent questioning where the accused has asserted his right to silence will not necessarily result in a violation of that right.<ref>
{{ibid1|Singh}}
</ref>
The question is always whether the accused still had the choice to say nothing.

; No Application to Third-parties
Voluntary statements to third parties such as cellmates do not invoke the right to silence.<ref>
{{supra1|Hebert}}
</ref>
An exception to this is made where the statement to a cellmate is actively elicited by undercover members.<ref>
{{supra1|Hebert}}
</ref>

; No Application to Protect Suspect Identity
The right to silence does not extend to a right to conceal one's identity. A peace officer has a right to inquire into the identity, including name, date of birth, and place of residence of a person who is under investigation.<ref> 
''R v Autio'' (M.), [http://canlii.ca/t/2bqxd 1994 CanLII 9170] (AB QB), (1994), 159 A.R. 167 (ProvCt){{perABQB|Davie J}}
</ref> 
However, there is no common law power of a Peace Officer to determine identity. It must be derived from legislation.<ref>
''R v Gagné'', [http://canlii.ca/t/1ft60 1989 CanLII 57] (SCC), [1989] 1 SCR 1584{{perSCC|Lamer J}}
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

===Waiver===
; Select Waiver
The right exists in relation to certain matters even where the accused decides to speak about other matters.<ref>
{{supra1|WL}}{{at|19}}<br>
''R v GL'', [http://canlii.ca/t/241sv 2009 ONCA 501] (CanLII){{perONCA|Blair JA}}{{at|39}}<br>
</ref>

; Extinguishment of Right
The right can be extinguished by waiver.<ref>
{{supra1|Liew}}</ref>

The right to silence is not extinguished when an accused speaks to an officer with respect to some matters but not others.<ref>
''R v GL'', [http://canlii.ca/t/241sv 2009 ONCA 501] (CanLII){{perONCA|Blair J}}{{at|39}}<br>
''R v WL'', [http://canlii.ca/t/gg1x5 2015 ONCA 37] (CanLII){{perONCA|Speyer J}}{{at|19}}<br>
''R v JS'', [http://canlii.ca/t/hq5m6 2018 ONCA 39] (CanLII){{perONCA|Roberts JA}}{{at|51}}<br>
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

==Accused's Choice Not to Testify==
{{seealso|Credibility#Failure to Call Witnesses}}

When assessing an accused’s credibility, the judge is “prohibited from using the silence of an accused as a basis for drawing an adverse inference as to credibility”.<ref>
''R v WL'', [http://canlii.ca/t/gg1x5 2015 ONCA 37] (CanLII){{perONCA|Speyer J}}{{at|18}}<Br>
''R v Palmer'', [http://canlii.ca/t/21pt3 2008 ONCA 797] (CanLII){{TheCourtONCA}}{{at|8}}<br>
</ref>

; Inferences
The right to silence generally prohibits drawing a negative inference from the fact that he chose not to testify. The failure to testify itself, cannot be used as evidence of anything.<ref>
''R v Prokofiew'', [http://canlii.ca/t/ft54b 2012 SCC 49] (CanLII){{perSCC|Moldaver J}}{{ats|20 to 21}}<br>
</ref>

No inferences of guilt may be drawn from the fact that the accused failed to testify. The exercise of the right to silence is neither inculpating or exculpatory.
<ref>
''R v Noble'', [http://canlii.ca/t/1fr3b 1997 CanLII 388] (SCC), [1997] 1 SCR 874
</ref>
The only exception is where the accused advances an alibi defence. In such a case the trier-of-fact may draw a negative inference from the accused's failure to testify.<ref>
{{ibid1|Noble}}</ref>

; Section 4(6) of Evidence Act
Section 4(6) of the Evidence Act operates separately from the rule against negative inferences.<ref>
''R v Miller'' (1998), 131 CCC (3d) 141 (Ont. C.A.), [http://canlii.ca/t/6gk5 1998 CanLII 5115] (ON CA){{perONCA|Charron JA}}
</ref>
Section 4(6) states: 
{{quotation|
4...
; Failure to testify
(6) The failure of the person charged, or of the wife or husband of that person, to testify shall not be made the subject of comment by the judge or by counsel for the prosecution.
<br>
R.S., 1985, c. C-5, s. 4; R.S., 1985, c. 19 (3rd Supp.), s. 17; 2002, c. 1, s. 166.
|[http:// CEA]
}}

Section 4(6) is not violated where the judge provides instructions affirming the existence of the accused's right to silence.<ref>
{{supra1|Prokofiew}}{{at|3}}
</ref> 
However, the reference to any failure to testify cannot be necessary implication leave the impression that the failure to testify amounts to evidence and can be used to infer guilt.<ref>
{{supra1|Prokofiew}}{{ats|20-21}}<br>
</ref>

In a joint trial with two or more accused, one accused may comment on another Accused's failure to testify or give a statement as long as it does not render the trial unfair.<ref>
''R v Unger'' (1993), 83 CCC (3d) 228 (Man. C.A.), [http://canlii.ca/t/1pfk2 1993 CanLII 4409] (MB CA){{TheCourt}}<br>
''R v Cuff'' (1989), 49 CCC (3d) 65 (NLCA), [http://canlii.ca/t/1nplm 1989 CanLII 182] (NL CA){{perNLCA|Goodridge CJ}}<br>
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

==Statements to Undercover Officers and Agents==
{{seealso|Admissions#Admissions_to_Undercover}}
An undercover officer cannot "actively elicited information" from the accused without violating their s. 7 right to silence.<ref>
''R v Hebert'', [http://canlii.ca/t/1fst9 1990 CanLII 118] (SCC), [1990] 2 SCR 151{{perSCC|McLachlin J}}
</ref>
To determine whether a statement was "actively elicited" or not, depends on consideration of whether "considering all the circumstances of the exchange between the accused and the state agent, is there a causal link between the conduct of the state agent and the making of the statement by the accused?"<ref>
''R v Broyles'', 1991 CanLII 15 (SCC), [1991] 3 S.C.R. 595{{fix}}{{at|31}}
</ref>

First, it must be determined if the person receiving the statement was an agent or not.<ref>
{{supra1|Hebert}}</ref>
Second, it must be determined if the statement was "actively elicited" contrary to the right to silence.

The question of elicitation involves two dimensions:<ref>
{{ibid1|Broyles}}
</ref>
# concerns of "the nature of the exchange between the accused and the state agent"
# concerns of "the nature of the relationship between the state agent and the accused". This includes whether there was a relationship of trust that was exploited.

The focus on the first factors should be upon whether the conversations were functionally equivalent to an interrogation.<ref>
{{supra1|Broyles}} ("The focus should not be on the form of the conversation, but rather on whether the relevant parts of the conversation were the functional equivalent of an interrogation.")
</ref>

Where the informer is acting independent of the will of the police, any statements obtained will generally not be subject to the right to silence.<ref>
''R v Johnston'', (1991) 64 CCC (3d) 233 (ONCA){{fix}}<br>
''R v Gray'', 1992 66 CCC (3d) 6 (ONCA){{fix}}<br>
</ref>

Similarly, statements that are spontaneous to an undercover officer will not violate the right to silence.<ref>
''R v Graham'', [http://canlii.ca/t/g1f68 1991 CanLII 7134] (ON CA), (1991), 1 O.R. (3d) 499{{perONCA|Finlayson JA}} leave refused (1992), 69 CCC (3d) vi
</ref> 
The police conduct must not "subvert" the accused's rights.<ref>
{{supra1|Hebert}}</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

==Police Procedure==
{{seealso|Right to Counsel}}
Upon arrest, the peace officer should inform the accused of their right to silence and right against self-crimination protected under section 7 and section 11(c) of the Charter. 

The script read to the accused will go something like the following:
{{quotation|
POLICE WARNING:<br>
I wish to give you the following warning: You need not say anything. You have nothing to hope from any promise or favour and nothing to fear from any threat whether or not you say anything. Anything you do say may be used as evidence. 
<br><br>
Do you understand?
}}

===Secondary Caution===
Where there had been previous communication between the police and accused prior to the reading of the first police warning, the police will usually provide what is called a "secondary caution" or "warning" that informs the accused that nothing said by the police prior to the first warning should influence the accused in the decision to make a statement. This is to avoid the tainting and exclusion of potential statement as "derived statements" following a previously involuntary statement.<ref>
See [[Voluntariness]] for details</ref>

The script read is similar to the following: <ref>
''R v MAD'', [http://canlii.ca/t/gvhj3 2016 NBQB 180] (CanLII){{perNBQB|Morrison J}}{{at|46}}<Br>
</ref>

{{quotation|
SECONDARY POLICE WARNING:<br>
I wish to give you the following warning: You must clearly understand that anything said to you previously should not influence you or make you feel compelled to say anything at this time. Whatever you felt influenced or compelled to say earlier, you are now not obliged to repeat, nor are you obliged to say anything further, but whatever you do say may be given as evidence. 
<br><br>
Do you understand?
}}

For details on the admissibility of Admissions and Confessions see [[Admissions and Confessions]].

{{Reflist|2}}

==Obligation to Speak to Police and Compelled Statements==

Generally, there is no duty to speak to the police. A person can provide "some, none, or all of the information he or she has" to the police.<ref>
''R v Turcotte'', [http://canlii.ca/t/1lpk3 2005 SCC 50] (CanLII){{perSCC|Abella J}}{{at|52}}</ref>

Refusing to speak to the police cannot be used as circumstantial evidence of guilt.<ref>
{{ibid1|Turcotte}}{{at|55}} (“Refusing to do what one has a right to refuse to do reveals nothing”)</ref>

While evidence of the accused's silence may be admissible, such as for narrative, it will often be required that jury instructions be given against the improper use of the silence as evidence.<ref>
{{ibid1|Turcotte}}{{at|58}} (“juries must be instructed about the proper purpose for which the evidence was admitted, the impermissible inferences which must not be drawn from evidence of silence, the limited probative value of silence, and the dangers of relying on such evidence”)</ref>
A failure to do so may result in prejudice to the accused.<ref>
{{ibid1|Turcotte}}{{at|59}}</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

===Statements Compelled by Statute===
Certain provincial traffic legislation compels the driver to describe the collision on demand. The statement given may still be admissible depending on "whether, at the time that the accident was reported by the driver, the driver gave the report on the basis of an honest and reasonably held belief that he or she was required by law to report the accident to the person to whom the report was given.".<ref>
''R v White'', [http://canlii.ca/t/1fqlm 1999 CanLII 689] (SCC), [1999] 2 SCR 417{{perSCC|Iacobucci J}}
</ref> 
Factors to consider include whether the driver had a subjective belief that they were giving a statement under compulsion or not.<ref>
''R v Moussavi'', [http://canlii.ca/t/gvzk7 2016 ONCA 924] (CanLII){{perONCA| MacPherson JA}}{{at|23}}<br>
</ref>

A compelled statements to social services may not be admissible in a criminal trial.<ref>
''R v Potts'', [http://canlii.ca/t/29fqd 2010 ABPC 143] (CanLII){{perABPC|Van de Veen J}}
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

==Failure of a Co-Accused to Testify==
A failure for a co-accused to testify cannot be used as evidence towards the accused's guilt.<ref>
''R v Prokofiew'', [http://canlii.ca/t/ft54b 2012 SCC 49] (CanLII), [2012] 2 SCR 639{{perSCC|Moldaver J}}
</ref>

{{Reflist|2}}

==Compellability of the Accused==
Section 11(c) of the Charter states:
{{quotation|
11. Any person charged with an offence has the right ...<br>
:(c) not to be compelled to be a witness in proceedings against that person in respect of the offence;<br>
...<br>
| [http://canlii.ca/t/8q7l CCRF]
}}
Section 11(c) concerns compelling a person to give testimony in court on a charge against them.

The purpose of s. 11(c) is “to protect the individual against the affront to dignity and privacy inherent in a practice which enables the prosecution to force the person charged to supply the evidence out of his or her own mouth.”<ref>
''R v Amway Corp.'', [http://canlii.ca/t/1ft8d 1989 CanLII 107] (SCC), [1989] 1 SCR 21{{perSCC|Sopkina J}}{{at|35}}</ref>
 
Section 11(c) is invoked where:<ref>Martineau v M.N.R. [http://canlii.ca/t/1jfnd 2004 SCC 81] (CanLII), [2004] 3 SCR 737{{perSCC|Fish J}}</ref>
# a person is compelled to testify in a proceeding;
# the proceeding in against the person;
# it is regarding an offence.

{{reflist|2}}

==Self-crimination by Testimony in Prior Proceedings==
The accused has a constitutional right not to have their testimony in a prior proceeding be used to incriminate them in a criminal proceedings.<ref>
e.g. ''R v White'', [http://canlii.ca/t/1fqlm 1999 CanLII 689] (SCC), [1999] 2 SCR 417{{perSCC|Iacobucci J}}</ref>

This right is protected under s. 13 of the Charter and prior to the introduction of the Charter, under s. 5(2) of the Canada Evidence Act.

Section 13 of the Charter states:
{{Quotation|
13. A witness who testifies in any proceedings has the right not to have any incriminating evidence so given used to incriminate that witness in any other proceedings, except in a prosecution for perjury or for the giving of contradictory evidence.
|[http://canlii.ca/t/8q7l CCRF]
}}

Section 5 of the Canada Evidence Act states:
{{quotation|
; Incriminating questions
5. <br>...<br>
; Answer not admissible against witness
(2) Where with respect to any question a witness objects to answer on the ground that his answer may tend to criminate him, or may tend to establish his liability to a civil proceeding at the instance of the Crown or of any person, and if but for this Act, or the Act of any provincial legislature, the witness would therefore have been excused from answering the question, then although the witness is by reason of this Act or the provincial Act compelled to answer, the answer so given shall not be used or admissible in evidence against him in any criminal trial or other criminal proceeding against him thereafter taking place, other than a prosecution for perjury in the giving of that evidence or for the giving of contradictory evidence.
<Br>
R.S., 1985, c. C-5, s. 5; 1997, c. 18, s. 116.
|[http://canlii.ca/t/7vf5 CEA]
}}

Section 5 is the predecessor to s. 13 of the Charter. Section 5 must be invoked by an objection to be of use unlike s. 13.

Section 13 is intended to protect a person from being indirectly compelled to incriminate themselves.<ref>
''R v Dubois'', [http://canlii.ca/t/1ftw5 1985 CanLII 10] (SCC), [1985] 2 SCR 350{{perSCC|Lamer J}}</ref>
This only applies to testimonial evidence and not documents.<ref>
''R v Bari'', [http://canlii.ca/t/1q41l 2006 NBCA 119] (CanLII){{perNBCA|Deschênes JA}}</ref>
It does not apply to those who chose to testify at a retrial.<ref>
''R v Henry'', [http://canlii.ca/t/1m5zx 2005 SCC 76] (CanLII), [2005] 3 SCR 609{{perSCC|Binnie J}}<br>
cf. {{supra1|Dubois}}</ref>

Under s. 13, the accused may only be cross-examined on the testimony from a prior proceeding where the judge is satisfied that there is "no realistic danger" that the prior testimony will incriminate the accused. The danger will depend on the nature of the prior evidence, the circumstances of the case, and the efficacy of adequate jury instructions.<ref>
''R v Noël'', [http://canlii.ca/t/50g3 2002 SCC 67] (CanLII), [2002] 3 SCR 433{{perSCC|Arbour J}}</ref>

; Requirements
Section 13 is engaged when an "incriminating" discovery transcript that was compelled is used to impeach the accused's credibility.<ref>
''R v Nedelcu'', [http://canlii.ca/t/ftmw1 2012 SCC 59] (CanLII){{perSCC|Moldaver J}}<Br>
''R v White'', [1999] 2 SCR 417, [http://canlii.ca/t/1fqlm 1999 CanLII 689] (SCC){{perSCC|Iacobucci J}} (6:1)<br>
</ref>
In this context, incriminating evidence is any evidence which if admitted, would "prove or assist in proving one or more of the essential elements of the offence for which the witness is being tried".<ref>
{{supra1|Nedelcu}}{{at|30}}</ref>

There are four factors to consider whether a person's right against self-incrimination has been violated by statutory requirements to provide statements: <ref>
''R v Fitzpatrick'', [1995] 4 SCR 154, [http://canlii.ca/t/1frg9 1995 CanLII 44] (SCC){{perSCC|La Forest J}}<br> 
{{supra1|White}}</ref>
#whether there was real coercion by the state in obtaining the statements; 
#whether there was an adversarial relationship between the accused and the state at the time the statements were obtained; 
#whether the statutory compulsion would increase the risk of unreliable confessions; and 
#whether the statutory compulsion increased the risk of abuses of power by the state.

This right does not generally cover an accused's conduct.<ref>
''Marcoulx And Solomon v The Queen'', [http://canlii.ca/t/1mzj2 1975 CanLII 10] (SCC), [1976] 1 SCR 763{{perSCC|Dickson J}} - accused's participation in a line-up</ref>

The crown cannot admit into evidence as part of its case a transcript of the accused prior testimony in a trial. This would be an indirect manner of compelling the accused's testimony.<ref>
''R v Henry'', [http://canlii.ca/t/1m5zx 2005 SCC 76] (CanLII), [2005] 3 SCR 609{{perSCC|Binnie J}}</ref>

Documents prepared by that individual pursuant to an order of production under 487.012 cannot be used against that person in criminal proceedings unless for perjury or related offences.<ref>
See s. 487.016</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

==See Also==
* [[Screening Device#Compelled_Admissions|Compelled Admissions]]
* [[Charter Applications]]