View source for Abandonment (Defence)

{{fr|Abandon_(défense)}}
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{{HeaderDefences}}
==General Principles==
The defence of abandonment is available to accused liable as [[Parties to an Offence|parties of an offence]] under s. 21(1) or 21(2), were two or more persons form a common intention to carry out an offence, such that they are not responsible for the offences committed by the other parties.

The purpose of this defence is to ensure that only those morally culpable are convicted and to encourage persons to withdraw from criminal activities and report them.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Gauthier|fxsxs|2013 SCC 32 (CanLII)|[2013] 2 SCR 403}}{{perSCC|Wagner J}}{{atL|fxsxs|50}}<br>
</ref>

; Test
The basic common law test requires:<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|KKP|1prpg|2006 ABCA 299 (CanLII)|213 CCC (3d) 530}}{{TheCourtABCA}}{{atL|1prpg|12}}<br>
{{supra1|Gauthier}}{{atL|fxsxs|34}} and {{AtL-np|fxsx|38}} and {{AtL-np|fxsx|50}} <br>
{{CanLIIRP|SRB|22fh1|2009 ABCA 45 (CanLII)|243 CCC (3d) 419}}{{perABCA|Berger JA}}{{atL|22fh1|10}} reversed on appeal
</ref>
# there must be a change of intention and physical change of place;
# where practicable and reasonable, ''timely communication'' of the intention to abandon the common purpose to those who desire to continue in it.<ref>
{{ibid1|SRB}}{{atL|22fh1|24}} per dissent, dissent aff'd on appeal {{CanLIIRP|Bird|2736k|2009 SCC 60 (CanLII)|469 AR 185}}{{TheCourtSCC}} ("change of intention on the part of the accused and, where practical and reasonable, a timely communication of the accused’s intention to abandon the common unlawful purpose")
</ref>
# communication, verbal or otherwise, must be ''unequivocal notice'' upon the other party such that if the other proceeds he does so without the further aid and assistance of those who withdraw.
#that the accused took, in a manner ''proportional'' to his or her participation in the commission of the planned offence, ''reasonable steps'' in the circumstances either to neutralize or otherwise cancel out the effects of his or her participation or to prevent the commission of the offence.<ref>
{{supra1|Gauthier}} added this last element, see{{atL|fxsxs|50}}</ref>

What amounts to abandonment will depend on the circumstances of each case.<ref>
{{supra1|KKP}}{{atL|1prpg|12}}</ref>

; Timing
Abandonment must occur ''before'' the offence takes place.<ref>
{{supra1|Miller}}<br>
{{supra1|KKP}}{{atL|1prpg|12}}
</ref>

; Communication
A failure to provide clear and timely communication will likely defeat the defence.<ref>
e.g. {{supra1|KKP}}{{atL|1prpg|14}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Miller|1mx57|1976 CanLII 12 (SCC)|[1977] 2 SCR 680}}{{TheCourtSCC}} at 708<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Fournier|5hpf|2002 NBCA 71 (CanLII)|173 CCC (3d) 566}}{{perNBCA|Larlee JA}}{{atL|5hpf|22}}<br>
</ref>

The manner of communicating the abandonment will depend on how deeply involved the accused was in the joint enterprise. The more peripheral the involvement the less express the language of behaviour needs to be.<ref>
{{supra1|SRB}}{{atL|22fh1|19}}
</ref>

; Procedure
It is often necessary that that the accused testify to explain his intentions.<ref>
{{supra1|KKP}}{{atL|1prpg|14}}<br>
</ref>

Whether a person withdraws or abandons the offence is a question of fact.<ref>
{{supra1|KKP}}{{atL|1prpg|11}}</ref>

; Parties
There is suggestion that abandonment may be available to those who are aiders or abetters.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Ball|2f90g|2011 BCCA 11 (CanLII)|267 CCC (3d) 532}}{{perBCCA|Ryan J}}{{atL|2f90g|46}}<br>
</ref>

; Specific Offences
Where group have jointly planned to commit rape and murder and the accused assisted in the initial part of the illegal plan but then leaves part way through does not abandon the offence and can still be convicted of murder.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|SRB|22fh1|2009 ABCA 45 (CanLII)|243 CCC (3d) 419}}{{perABCA|Berger JA}} overturned on appeal {{CanLIIRP|Bird|2736k|2009 SCC 60 (CanLII)|[2009] 3 SCR 638}}{{TheCourtSCC}}</ref>

A party who abandons a planned robbery but was the one who provided the others with guns can be liable for the murder arising from the robbery.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Joyce|htxlz|1978 CanLII 2422 (BC CA)|42 CCC (2d) 141}}{{perBCCA|Hinkson JA}}<br>
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

==See Also==
* [[Intention]]
* [[Parties to an Offence]]
* [[Warrantless Search of Abandoned Property]]