View source for Section 161 Orders

{{LevelOne}}
{{HeaderAncillary}}
==General Principles==
When an offender is convicted on an enumerated offence concerning persons under the age 16, section 161 of the ''Criminal Code'' permits the court to make an order prohibiting the offender’s from certain activities that may have them in contact with persons under the age of 16. 

{{quotation2|
; Order of prohibition
161 (1) When an offender is convicted, or is discharged on the conditions prescribed in a probation order under section 730 {{AnnSec7|730}}, of an offence referred to in subsection (1.1) {{AnnSec1|161(1.1)}} in respect of a person who is under the age of 16 years, the court that sentences the offender or directs that the accused be discharged, as the case may be, in addition to any other punishment that may be imposed for that offence or any other condition prescribed in the order of discharge, shall consider making and may make, subject to the conditions or exemptions that the court directs, an order prohibiting the offender from
:(a) attending a public park or public swimming area where persons under the age of 16 years are present or can reasonably be expected to be present, or a daycare centre, schoolground, playground or community centre;
:(a.1) being within two kilometres, or any other distance specified in the order, of any dwelling-house where the victim identified in the order ordinarily resides or of any other place specified in the order;
:(b) seeking, obtaining or continuing any employment, whether or not the employment is remunerated, or becoming or being a volunteer in a capacity, that involves being in a position of trust or authority towards persons under the age of 16 years;
:(c) having any contact — including communicating by any means — with a person who is under the age of 16 years, unless the offender does so under the supervision of a person whom the court considers appropriate; or
:(d) using the Internet or other digital network, unless the offender does so in accordance with conditions set by the court.

{{removed|(1.1), (2), (3) and (4)}} 
R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. C-46}}, s. 161;
R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. 19 (3rd Supp.)}}, s. 4;
{{LegHistory90s|1993, c. 45}}, s. 1; 
{{LegHistory90s|1995, c. 22}}, s. 18; 
{{LegHistory90s|1997, c. 18}}, s. 4; 
{{LegHistory90s|1999, c. 31}}, s. 67; 
{{LegHistory00s|2002, c. 13}}, s. 4;
{{LegHistory00s|2005, c. 32}}, s. 5; 
{{LegHistory00s|2008, c. 6}}, s. 54; 
{{LegHistory10s|2012, c. 1}}, s. 16; 
{{LegHistory10s|2014, c. 21}}, s. 1, {{LegHistory10sA|2014|c. 25}}, s. 5; 
{{LegHistory10s|2015, c. 23}}, s. 6; 
{{LegHistory10s|2019, c. 25}}, s. 55.
{{Annotation}}
|[{{CCCSec|161}} CCC]
|{{NoteUp|161|1}}
}}

; Purpose
The purpose of s. 161 orders is to protect vulnerable children from sexual violence.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|KRJ|gsm3w|2016 SCC 31 (CanLII)|[2016] 1 SCR 906}}{{perSCC|Karakatsanis J}}{{atsL|gsm3w|44| to 46}}<Br>
{{CanLIIRP|Shultz|hsrsh|2018 ONCA 598 (CanLII)|142 OR (3d) 128}}{{perONCA|Brown JA}}{{atL|hsrsh|41}} ("The overarching protective function of s. 161 of the ''Criminal Code'' is to shield children from sexual violence")<Br>
</ref>
They are preventative in nature.<ref>
{{CanLIIRx|SB|20hr4|2008 ONCJ 383 (CanLII)}}{{perONCJ|Hackett J}}</ref> 
It limits the offender's contact with children and prevents "them from obtaining access to children through positions where children will be vulnerable to them."<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|RMG|1chs6|2001 CanLII 21827 (NLPC)|[2001] NJ No 269 (NLPC)}}{{perNLPC|Gorman J}}
</ref>
The 2012 changes to s. 161(1)(d) was enacted to "close a legislative gap created by rapid social and technological changes" as the this is so that the "court is better able to monitor offenders' use of the Internet thereby limiting their opportunities to offend and preventing such behaviour".<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Brar|gv9fw|2016 ONCA 724 (CanLII)|134 OR (3d) 95}}}{{perONCA|Rouleau JA}}{{atL|gv9fw|17}}<Br>
{{supra1|Shultz}}{{atL|hsrsh|42}}<br>
{{supra1|KRJ}}{{atL|gsm3w|108}}<Br>
</ref>

; Punishment
It is considered a "punishment" and is part of the arsenal of sanctions available to a judge.<ref>
{{supra1|KRJ}}{{atsL|gsm3w|50| and 57}}<Br>
{{CanLIIRP|Miller|h2x0t|2017 NLCA 22 (CanLII)|354 CCC (3d) 58}}{{perNLCA|Hoegg JA}}{{atL|h2x0t|8}}<br>
</ref>

; Constitutionality and Retrospectivity
Section 161(1)(c) is not retrospective as it violates s. 11(i) of the Charter prohibiting retroactive punishments.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|KRJ|gsm3w|2016 SCC 31 (CanLII)|[2016] 1 SCR 906}}{{perSCC|Karakatsanis J}}<br>
see also [[Charter Issues in Sentencing]]
</ref> 
However, s. 161(1)(d) is retrospective as the violation of s. 11(i) of the Charter is permitted under s. 1 of the Charter.<ref>
{{ibid1|KRJ}}
</ref>

; Standard of Appellate Review
The order under s. 161 is discretionary and so appellate courts should not intervene "absent an error in principle" or where a prohibition is "demonstrably unfit and unreasonable".<ref>
{{supra1|Shultz}}{{atL|hsrsh|43}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|WQ|1nnqb|2006 CanLII 21035 (ON CA)|210 CCC (3d) 398}}{{perONCA|Macfarland JA}}{{atL|1nnqb|25}}<br>
{{supra1|Brar}}{{atL|gv9fw|26}}<br>
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

==Applicable Offences==
The applicable offences are listed in s. 161(1.1):
{{quotation2|
161<br>
{{Removed|(1)}}
; Offences
(1.1) The offences for the purpose of subsection (1) {{AnnSec1|161(1)}} are
:(a) an offence under section 151 {{AnnSec1|151}}, 152 {{AnnSec1|152}} or 155 {{AnnSec1|155}}, subsection 160(2) {{AnnSec1|160(2)}} or (3) {{AnnSec1|160(3)}}, section 163.1 {{AnnSec1|163.1}}, 170 {{AnnSec1|170}}, 171 {{AnnSec1|171}}, 171.1 {{AnnSec1|171.1}}, 172.1 {{AnnSec1|172.1}} or 172.2 {{AnnSec1|172.2}}, subsection 173(2) {{AnnSec1|173(2)}}, section 271 {{AnnSec2|271}}, 272 {{AnnSec2|272}}, 273 {{AnnSec2|273}} or 279.011 {{AnnSec2|279.011}}, subsection 279.02(2) {{AnnSec2|279.02(2)}} or 279.03(2) {{AnnSec2|279.03(2)}}, section {{AnnSec2|280}} 280 or {{AnnSec2|281}} 281 or subsection 286.1(2) {{AnnSec2|286.1(2)}}, 286.2(2) {{AnnSec2|286.2(2)}} or 286.3(2) {{AnnSec2|286.3(2)}};
:(b) an offence under section 144 (rape), 145 (attempt to commit rape), 149 (indecent assault on female), 156 (indecent assault on male) or 245 (common assault) or subsection 246(1) (assault with intent) of the Criminal Code, chapter C-34 of the Revised Statutes of Canada, 1970, as it read immediately before January 4, 1983;
:(c) an offence under subsection 146(1) (sexual intercourse with a female under 14) or section 153 (sexual intercourse with step-daughter), 155 (buggery or bestiality), 157 (gross indecency), 166 (parent or guardian procuring defilement) or 167 (householder permitting defilement) of the Criminal Code, chapter C-34 of the Revised Statutes of Canada, 1970, as it read immediately before January 1, 1988; or
:(d) an offence under subsection 212(1) (procuring), 212(2) (living on the avails of prostitution of person under 18 years), 212(2.1) (aggravated offence in relation to living on the avails of prostitution of person under 18 years) or 212(4) (prostitution of person under 18 years) of this Act, as it read from time to time before the day on which this paragraph comes into force.
{{Removed|(2), (3) and (4)}}
R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. C-46}}, s. 161;
R.S., {{LegHistory80sL|1985, c. 19 (3rd Supp.)}}, s. 4; 
{{LegHistory90s|1993, c. 45}}, s. 1; 
{{LegHistory90s|1995, c. 22}}, s. 18; 
{{LegHistory90s|1997, c. 18}}, s. 4; 
{{LegHistory90s|1999, c. 31}}, s. 67; 
{{LegHistory00s|2002, c. 13}}, s. 4; 
{{LegHistory00s|2005, c. 32}}, s. 5; 
{{LegHistory00s|2008, c. 6}}, s. 54; 
{{LegHistory10s|2012, c. 1}}, s. 16; 
{{LegHistory10s|2014, c. 21}}, s. 1, {{LegHistory10sA|2014|c. 25}}, s. 5; 
{{LegHistory10s|2015, c. 23}}, s. 6; 
{{LegHistory10s|2019, c. 25}}, s. 55.<Br>
{{Annotation}}
|[{{CCCSec|161}} CCC]
|{{NoteUp|161|1.1}}
}}

The amendment of 2019, c. 25 removed s. 159 (anal intercourse) from the list found in s. 161(1.1)(a).

Section 161(1.1)(b) and (c) list applicable offences as they existed pre-1988.

Offences listed include:
* [[Sexual Interference (Offence)|Sexual Interference]] (151)
* [[Invitation to Sexual Touching (Offence)|Invitation to Sexual Touching]] (152)
* [[Sexual Exploitation (Offence)|Sexual Exploitation]] (153)
* [[Incest (Offence)| Incest]] (155)
* [[Anal Intercourse (Unconstitutional Offence)|Anal Intercourse]] (159)
* [[Bestiality (Offence)|Bestiality]] (160(2) or (3))
* [[Child Pornography (Offence)|Child Pornography]] (163.1)
* [[Parent or Guardian Procuring Sexual Activity (Offence)|Parent or guardian procuring sexual activity]] (170)
* [[Householder Permitting Sexual Activity (Offence)|Householder permitting sexual activity]] (171)
* [[Making Sexually Explicit Materials Available to Child (Offence)|Making Sexual Explicit Materials Available to Child]] (171.1)
* [[Child Luring (Offence)|Child Luring]] (172.1)
* [[Agree or Arrange a Sexual Offence Against Child (Offence)|Agree or Arrange a Sexual Offence Against Child]] (172.2)
* [[Indecent Act (Offence)|Indecent Acts]] (173(2))
* [[Procuring and Living on the Avails of Prostitution (Repealed Offence)|Procuring and Living on the Avails of Prostitution]] (212)
* [[Sexual Assault (Offence)|Sexual Assault]] (271)
* [[Sexual Assault with a Weapon or Causing Bodily Harm (Offence)|Sexual Assault with a Weapon]] (272)
* [[Sexual Assault with a Weapon or Causing Bodily Harm (Offence)|Sexual Assault Causing Bodily Harm]] (272)
* [[Aggravated Sexual Assault (Offence)|Aggravated Sexual Assault]] (273)
* [[Trafficking in Persons (Offence)|Trafficking of a person under the age of eighteen years]] (279.011)
* [[Trafficking in Persons (Offence)|Material benefit — trafficking of person under 18 years]] (279.02(2)) 
* [[Trafficking in Persons (Offence)|Withholding or destroying documents — trafficking of person under 18 years]] (279.03(2))
* [[Abduction of a Young Person (Offence)|Abduction of person under sixteen]] (280)
* [[Abduction of a Young Person (Offence)|Abduction of person under fourteen]] (281)
* [[Commodification of Sexual Services (Offence)|Obtaining sexual services for consideration]] (286.1(2))
* [[Commodification of Sexual Services (Offence)|Material benefit from sexual services]] (286.2(2))
* [[Commodification of Sexual Services (Offence)|Procuring]] (286.3(2))

Certain sexual offences such as sexual exploitation of a disabled person (153.1), and [[Voyeurism (Offence)|voyeurism]] (162) are among those '''not listed'''.

{{reflist|2}}

==Application==
Section 161 Order is a discretionary order.<ref>
{{CanLIIRx|DK|fwwzm|2013 ONSC 1851 (CanLII)}}{{perONSC|Conlan J}}{{atL|fwwzm|22}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Miller|h2x0t|2017 NLCA 22 (CanLII)|354 CCC (3d) 58}}{{perNLCA|Hoegg JA}}{{atL|h2x0t|19}} ("...the imposition of a section 161 order is a discretionary decision.  A judge’s discretion, of course, must be exercised judicially..., which in this case would require the judge to have a proper basis for imposing the order.  If a sentencing judge errs in a manner which impacts the imposition or the terms of the order, this Court could intervene...")<Br>
</ref>
However, that discretion must be exercised "judicially".<ref>
{{ibid1|Miller}}{{atL|h2x0t|19}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Bussey|g6g4m|2014 NLCA 18 (CanLII)|347 Nfld & PEIR 349}}{{perNLCA|Welsh JA}}{{atL|g6g4m|12}}<br>
</ref>

It should not be applied as a "matter of course". There must be an "evidentiary basis upon which to conclude that the particular offender poses a risk to children".<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Schultz|hsrsh|2018 ONCA 598 (CanLII)|142 OR (3d) 128}}{{perONCA|Brown JA}}{{atL|hsrsh|41}} ("The overarching protective function of s. 161 of the Criminal Code is to shield children from sexual violence: ... . An order under s. 161 constitutes punishment and is not available as a matter of course: there must be an evidentiary basis upon which to conclude that the particular offender poses a risk to children; the specific terms of the order must constitute a reasonable attempt to minimize the risk; and, the content of the order must respond carefully to an offender’s specific circumstances: ...")<br>
</ref>

The terms of the order "order must constitute a reasonable attempt to minimize the risk; and, the content of the order must respond carefully to an offender’s specific circumstances".<ref>
{{ibid1|Schutz}}{{atL|hsrsh|41}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|KRJ|gsm3w|2016 SCC 31 (CanLII)|[2016] 1 SCR 906}}{{perSCC|Karakatsanis J}}{{atsL|gsm3w|48| to 49}}<Br>
</ref>

The sentencing judge should take a "purposive approach" to the imposition of s. 161 and assess "the extent of the risk to children based on a number of factors, including the circumstances of the offence and offender".<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|RKA|1mvk8|2006 ABCA 82 (CanLII)|208 CCC (3d) 74}}{{perABCA|Paperny JA}}{{atL|1mvk8|26}}<Br>
{{supra1|Miller}}{{atL|h2x0t|11}} ("In A.(R.K.), the Court set out a number of factors to be considered in deciding whether to impose a section 161 order.  The Court directed that a court must take “a purposive approach” to the imposition of a section 161 order and “must assess the extent of the risk to children based on a number of factors, including the circumstances of the offence and the offender”  ... .")<br>
</ref> 

It has been suggested that courts should not be reluctant on the imposition of an order.<ref>
{{ibid1|RMG}}
</ref>

A judge may refuse to make an order where the victims and the public are adequately protected by other means such as probation.<ref>
{{ibid1|DK}}{{atL|fwwzm|23}}</ref>

Simply because the child pornography consisted of drawings rather than images of child abuse will not be sufficient reason to refrain from ordering a s.161 order.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|MK|2cq2d|2010 NBCA 71 (CanLII)|261 CCC (3d) 359}}{{perNBCA|Robertson JA}}{{atsL|2cq2d|26| to 28}}</ref>

; Decline to Order
The judge may decline to make an order under s. 161 where they find that there is no future risk of harm to young persons.<ref>
{{CanLIIRx|CF|jb5zd|2020 ONSC 5975 (CanLII)}}{{perONSC|Leibovich J}}{{atL|jb5zd|63}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Schulz|hsrsh|2018 ONCA 598 (CanLII)|[2018] O.J. No. 3526}}{{perONCA|Brown JA}}
</ref>

; Evidentiary Basis
It is necessary that there be an "evidentiary basis upon which to conclude that the particular offender poses a risk to children" and the judge is satisfied that the specific terms of the order are "a reasonable attempt to minimize that risk".<ref>
{{supra1|Miller}}{{atL|h2x0t|9}}<br>
{{supra1|KRJ}}{{atL|gsm3w|48}}<br>
</ref>

An absence of any evidence that the offender had attempted to contact children is valid reasons for the judge to decline to make orders under s. 161(1)(a), (b) or (c).<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Schultz|21l96|2008 ABQB 679 (CanLII)|239 CCC (3d) 535}}{{perABQB|Topolniski J}}{{atL|21l96|54}}<br>
</ref>

; Absence of Risk of Recidivism 
Neither the absence of a prior record or other evidence of recidivism are reasons not to impose a s. 161 order. The circumstances of the case themselves can often be reason enough.<ref>
{{supra1|RKA}}{{atL|1mvk8|28}}<br>
</ref>

Even with an assessment that shows the offence as a low risk of recidivism, it may still be appropriate to order a s. 161 order.<ref>
e.g. {{supra1|Shultz}}
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

==Terms and Conditions==

Section 161(1)(a) to (d) sets out the available conditions for a s. 161 order:

{{quotation2|
; Order of prohibition
161 (1) {{ellipsis1}} the court that sentences the offender {{ellipsis1}} shall consider making and may make, subject to the conditions or exemptions that the court directs, an order prohibiting the offender from
:(a) attending a public park or public swimming area where persons under the age of 16 years are present or can reasonably be expected to be present, or a daycare centre, schoolground, playground or community centre;
:(a.1) being within two kilometres, or any other distance specified in the order, of any dwelling-house where the victim identified in the order ordinarily resides or of any other place specified in the order;
:(b) seeking, obtaining or continuing any employment, whether or not the employment is remunerated, or becoming or being a volunteer in a capacity, that involves being in a position of trust or authority towards persons under the age of 16 years;
:(c) having any contact — including communicating by any means — with a person who is under the age of 16 years, unless the offender does so under the supervision of a person whom the court considers appropriate; or
:(d) using the Internet or other digital network, unless the offender does so in accordance with conditions set by the court.

{{Removed|(1.1), (2), (3) and (4)}}
R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. C-46}}, s. 161 
R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. 19 (3rd Supp.)}}, s. 4;
{{LegHistory90s|1993, c. 45}}, s. 1; 
{{LegHistory90s|1995, c. 22}}, s. 18; 
{{LegHistory90s|1997, c. 18}}, s. 4; 
{{LegHistory90s|1999, c. 31}}, s. 67; 
{{LegHistory00s|2002, c. 13}}, s. 4;
{{LegHistory00s|2005, c. 32}}, s. 5; 
{{LegHistory00s|2008, c. 6}}, s. 54; 
{{LegHistory10s|2012, c. 1}}, s. 16; 
{{LegHistory10s|2014, c. 21}}, s. 1, {{LegHistory10sA|2014|c. 25}}, s. 5; 
{{LegHistory10s|2015, c. 23}}, s. 6; 
{{LegHistory10s|2019, c. 25}}, s. 55.
|[{{CCCSec|161}} CCC]
|{{NoteUp|161|1}}
}}

The order would prevent an offender from:
# attending a public park or public swimming area where persons under the age of 16 years are present or can reasonably be expected to be present, or a daycare centre, schoolground, playground or community centre (161(1)(a))
# being within two kilometres, or any other distance specified in the order, of any dwelling-house where the victim identified in the order ordinarily resides or of any other place specified in the order; (161(1)(a.1))
#seeking, obtaining or continuing any employment, whether or not the employment is remunerated, or becoming or being a volunteer in a capacity, that involves being in a position of trust or authority towards persons under the age of 16 years (161(1)(b));
# having any contact — including communicating by any means — with a person who is under the age of 16 years, unless the offender does so under the supervision of a person whom the court considers appropriate (161(1)(c))
# using the Internet or other digital network, unless the offender does so in accordance with conditions set by the court (161(1)(d))

===Internet Access===
Where a s. 161(1)(d) order is being made limited use of a computer may be appropriate where risk can be minimized. Exceptions can be done for situations such as the use of "devices capable of accessing the Internet or email not only at the appellant’s place of employment, but also 'as required for employment-related purposes.'"<ref>
e.g. {{CanLIIRP|Schultz|hsrsh|2018 ONCA 598 (CanLII)|142 OR (3d) 128}}{{perONCA|Brown JA}}{{atL|hsrsh|56}}<Br>
</ref>

It is inappropriate for s. 161(1)(d) as being used to impose terms that restrict ownership or use of electronic devices. It is designed only to limit internet access.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Brar|gv9fw|2016 ONCA 724 (CanLII)|134 OR (3d) 95}}{{perONCA|Rouleau JA}}{{atL|gv9fw|27}} ("Further, I agree with the appellant’s submissions that the sentencing judge erred in imposing a prohibition on owning or using a smart phone, tablet or any mobile device with Internet capabilities. Section 161(1)(d) permits the courts to prohibit Internet use but does not provide the court with the power to restrict ownership of such Internet capable devices. Nor should such a power be inferred.")
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

===Definitions===
; "Attending"
Restriction on "attending" will refer to being present on the property and not simply across the street from the location.<ref>
{{CanLIIRx|Jacobs|g2nfh|2014 CanLII 979 (NL PC)}}{{perNLPC|Walsh J}}
</ref>

; Community Centre
A community centre will include public libraries.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Allaby|h306h|2017 SKCA 25 (CanLII)|353 CCC (3d) 476}}{{perSKCA|Ottenbreit JA}}
</ref>

; Park or Playground
A carnival is neither a park or playground.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Lachapelle|1wqgp|2008 BCSC 511 (CanLII)|78 WCB (2d) 501}}{{perBCSC|Butler J}}
see also {{CanLIIRP|Cameron|2ct0c|2010 ABPC 311 (CanLII)|501 AR 15}}{{perABPC|Creagh J}}
</ref>

; Swimming Areas
The restrictions on swimming areas will also include pools found in apartment buildings and other complexes.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|D’Angelo|1chwc|2002 CanLII 12379 (ON CA)|, (2002) 166 OAC 92 (ONCA)}}{{perONCA|MacPherson JA}}</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

==Duration==
{{quotation2|
161<br>
{{Removed|(1) and (1.2)}}
; Duration of prohibition
(2) The prohibition may be for life or for any shorter duration that the court considers desirable and, in the case of a prohibition that is not for life, the prohibition begins on the later of
:(a) the date on which the order is made; and
:(b) where the offender is sentenced to a term of imprisonment, the date on which the offender is released from imprisonment for the offence, including release on parole, mandatory supervision or statutory release.
{{Removed| (3) and (4)}}
R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. C-46}}, s. 161 
R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. 19 (3rd Supp.)}}, s. 4;
{{LegHistory90s|1993, c. 45}}, s. 1; 
{{LegHistory90s|1995, c. 22}}, s. 18; 
{{LegHistory90s|1997, c. 18}}, s. 4; 
{{LegHistory90s|1999, c. 31}}, s. 67; 
{{LegHistory00s|2002, c. 13}}, s. 4;
{{LegHistory00s|2005, c. 32}}, s. 5; 
{{LegHistory00s|2008, c. 6}}, s. 54; 
{{LegHistory10s|2012, c. 1}}, s. 16; 
{{LegHistory10s|2014, c. 21}}, s. 1, {{LegHistory10sA|2014|c. 25}}, s. 5; 
{{LegHistory10s|2015, c. 23}}, s. 6; 
{{LegHistory10s|2019, c. 25}}, s. 55.
|[{{CCCSec|161}} CCC]
|{{NoteUp|161|2}}
}}

The prohibition can be of any length of time up to life.<ref> 161(2)</ref>
The starting point of the order would either be at the time of sentence or at the time of release from custody.<ref>s. 161(2)(a) and (b)</ref>

A 20 year order would generally be reserved for only some of the worst offenders.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|RRB|fxc50|2013 BCCA 224 (CanLII)|338 BCAC 106}}{{perBCCA|Prowse JA}}{{atL|fxc50|32}}<br>
</ref>

Sexual assaults will typically be under 10 years.<ref>
{{ibid1|RRB}} (3 years) touching/fellatio of a minor<br>
</ref>

When considering the effect of prior-related records, convictions for sexual offences while the offender was a youth should not be considered if it occurred more than 5 years prior to the adult offence.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Able|fz4dg|2013 ONCA 385 (CanLII)|116 OR (3d) 500}}{{perONCA|Tulloch JA}}{{atsL|fz4dg|11| to 29}}<br>
</ref>

In practice, the judges will usually impose a 161 order for a period of 10 years or life for the most serious sexual predator offences.

Second time child pornography offence got 15 years order under 161.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Stupnikoff|fwz48|2013 SKPC 57 (CanLII)|416 Sask R 307}}{{perSKPC|Agnew J}}{{atL|fwz48|61}}<br>
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

==Variations==
The condition can be varied by the same court.<ref> s. 161(3)</ref>

{{quotation2|
161<br>
{{Removed|(1), (1.1) and (2)}}
; Court may vary order
(3) A court that makes an order of prohibition or, where the court is for any reason unable to act, another court of equivalent jurisdiction in the same province, may, on application of the offender or the prosecutor, require the offender to appear before it at any time and, after hearing the parties, that court may vary the conditions prescribed in the order if, in the opinion of the court, the variation is desirable because of changed circumstances after the conditions were prescribed.
<Br>{{removed|(4)}}
R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. C-46}}, s. 161 
R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. 19 (3rd Supp.)}}, s. 4;
{{LegHistory90s|1993, c. 45}}, s. 1; 
{{LegHistory90s|1995, c. 22}}, s. 18; 
{{LegHistory90s|1997, c. 18}}, s. 4; 
{{LegHistory90s|1999, c. 31}}, s. 67; 
{{LegHistory00s|2002, c. 13}}, s. 4;
{{LegHistory00s|2005, c. 32}}, s. 5; 
{{LegHistory00s|2008, c. 6}}, s. 54; 
{{LegHistory10s|2012, c. 1}}, s. 16; 
{{LegHistory10s|2014, c. 21}}, s. 1, {{LegHistory10sA|2014|c. 25}}, s. 5; 
{{LegHistory10s|2015, c. 23}}, s. 6; 
{{LegHistory10s|2019, c. 25}}, s. 55.
|[{{CCCSec|161}} CCC]
|{{NoteUp|161|3}}
}}
{{reflist|2}}

==Breaches==
Violations of the Order is a hybrid offence, either on summary conviction or a maximum of 2 years on indictable election.<ref>s. 161(4)</ref>

{{quotation2|
161<br>
{{Removed|(1), (1.1), (2) and (3)}}
; Offence
(4) Every person who is bound by an order of prohibition and who does not comply with the order is guilty of
:(a) an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than four years; or
:(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.
R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. C-46}}, s. 161 
R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. 19 (3rd Supp.)}}, s. 4;
{{LegHistory90s|1993, c. 45}}, s. 1; 
{{LegHistory90s|1995, c. 22}}, s. 18; 
{{LegHistory90s|1997, c. 18}}, s. 4; 
{{LegHistory90s|1999, c. 31}}, s. 67; 
{{LegHistory00s|2002, c. 13}}, s. 4;
{{LegHistory00s|2005, c. 32}}, s. 5; 
{{LegHistory00s|2008, c. 6}}, s. 54; 
{{LegHistory10s|2012, c. 1}}, s. 16; 
{{LegHistory10s|2014, c. 21}}, s. 1, {{LegHistory10sA|2014|c. 25}}, s. 5; 
{{LegHistory10s|2015, c. 23}}, s. 6; 
{{LegHistory10s|2019, c. 25}}, s. 55.
|[{{CCCSec|161}} CCC]
|{{NoteUp|161|4}}
}}

{{reflist|2}}

==History==
{{seealso|List of Criminal Code Amendments|Table of Concordance (Criminal Code)}}

The initial creation of the prohibition order under s. 161 arises from the striking down of s. 179(1)(b) which made it an offence for anyone convicted of certain sexual offenders to be found near a school, park, or area where children my be.<Ref>
{{CanLIIRx|JD|jg66d|2021 ONCA 376 (CanLII)}}{{perONCA|Feldman JA}}{{atL|jg66d|58}}
</ref>

On August 9, 2012, section 161 was amended to add  s. 161(1)(c) and (d) and to add other enumerated offences found in s. 161(1.1).<ref>
see [http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/AnnualStatutes/2012_1/FullText.html the full text here]</ref>

On July 17, 2015, the Tougher Penalties for Child Predators Act (Bill C-26) came into force resulting in an increase of the maximum penalties for convictions under s. 161(4). On summary conviction, the maximum penalties increased from 6 months to 18 months. On indictable election, the maximum penalties increased from 2 years to 4 years.

; Retroactivity
The conditions of s. 161(1) are not retroactive and only apply to offences committed after the provisions were enacted.<Ref>
{{supra1|JD}}{{atL|jg66d|97}}
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

===2012 to 2015===
{{quotation2|
; Order of prohibition
161 (1) When an offender is convicted, or is discharged on the conditions prescribed in a probation order under section 730, of an offence referred to in subsection (1.1) in respect of a person who is under the age of 16 years, the court that sentences the offender or directs that the accused be discharged, as the case may be, in addition to any other punishment that may be imposed for that offence or any other condition prescribed in the order of discharge, shall consider making and may make, subject to the conditions or exemptions that the court directs, an order prohibiting the offender from
:(a) attending a public park or public swimming area where persons under the age of 16 years are present or can reasonably be expected to be present, or a daycare centre, schoolground, playground or community centre;
:(a.1) being within two kilometres, or any other distance specified in the order, of any dwelling-house where the victim identified in the order ordinarily resides or of any other place specified in the order;
:(b) seeking, obtaining or continuing any employment, whether or not the employment is remunerated, or becoming or being a volunteer in a capacity, that involves being in a position of trust or authority towards persons under the age of 16 years;
:(c) having any contact — including communicating by any means — with a person who is under the age of 16 years, unless the offender does so under the supervision of a person whom the court considers appropriate; or
:(d) using the Internet or other digital network, unless the offender does so in accordance with conditions set by the court.
...<br>
R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. C-46}}, s. 161; R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. 19 (3rd Supp.)}}, s. 4; {{LegHistory90s|1993, c. 45}}, s. 1; {{LegHistory90s|1995, c. 22}}, s. 18; {{LegHistory90s|1997, c. 18}}, s. 4; {{LegHistory90s|1999, c. 31}}, s. 67; {{LegHistory00s|2002, c. 13}}, s. 4; {{LegHistory00s|2005, c. 32}}, s. 5; {{LegHistory00s|2008, c. 6}}, s. 54; {{LegHistory10s|2012, c. 1}}, s. 16; {{LegHistory10s|2014, c. 21}}, s. 1, c. 25, s. 5.
|[ CCC]
| {{NoteUp|161|1}}
}}

===2008 to 2012===

{{quotation1|
; Order of prohibition
161 (1) When an offender is convicted, or is discharged on the conditions prescribed in a probation order under section 730, of an offence referred to in subsection (1.1) in respect of a person who is under the age of 16 years, the court that sentences the offender or directs that the accused be discharged, as the case may be, in addition to any other punishment that may be imposed for that offence or any other condition prescribed in the order of discharge, shall consider making and may make, subject to the conditions or exemptions that the court directs, an order prohibiting the offender from
:(a) attending a public park or public swimming area where persons under the age of 16 years are present or can reasonably be expected to be present, or a daycare centre, schoolground, playground or community centre;
:(b) seeking, obtaining or continuing any employment, whether or not the employment is remunerated, or becoming or being a volunteer in a capacity, that involves being in a position of trust or authority towards persons under the age of 16 years; or
:(c) using a computer system within the meaning of subsection 342.1(2) for the purpose of communicating with a person under the age of 16 years.
...<br>
R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. C-46}}, s. 161; R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. 19 (3rd Supp.)}}, s. 4; {{LegHistory90s|1993, c. 45}}, s. 1; {{LegHistory90s|1995, c. 22}}, s. 18; {{LegHistory90s|1997, c. 18}}, s. 4; {{LegHistory90s|1999, c. 31}}, s. 67; {{LegHistory00s|2002, c. 13}}, s. 4; {{LegHistory00s|2005, c. 32}}, s. 5; {{LegHistory00s|2008, c. 6}}, s. 54.
|[http://canlii.ca/t/hzc3 CCC]
|{{NoteUp|161|1}}
}}


===1993===

{{quotation1|
; Order of prohibition
161 (1) Where an offender is convicted, or is discharged on the conditions prescribed in a probation order under section 736, of an offence under section 151, 152, 155 or 159, subsection 160(2) or (3) or section 170, 171, 271, 272 or 273, in respect of a person who is under the age of fourteen years, the court that sentences the offender or directs that the accused be discharged, as the case may be, in addition to any other punishment that may be imposed for that offence or any other condition prescribed in the order of discharge, shall consider making and may make, subject to the conditions or exemptions that the court directs, an order prohibiting the offender from
:(a) attending a public park or public swimming area where persons under the age of fourteen years are present or can reasonably be expected to be present, or a daycare centre, schoolground, playground or community centre; or
:(b) seeking, obtaining or continuing any employment, whether or not the employment is remunerated, or becoming or being a volunteer in a capacity that involves being in a position of trust or authority towards persons under the age of fourteen years.

|
}}

==Digest==
* {{CanLIIRP|WAE|256c3|2009 CanLII 42861 (NL PC)|890 APR 214}}{{perNLPC|Gorman J}} - 20 years - no prior record. Possession of child pornography.

==Precedent==
* [[Precedent - Section 161 Orders]]

==See Also==
* [[SOIRA Orders]]
* [[DNA Orders]]