View source for Criminal Harassment (Offence)

{{fr|harcèlement_criminel}}
{{Currency2|June|2021}}
{{LevelZero}}{{HeaderOffences}}

{{OffenceBox 
|OffenceTitle=Criminal Harassment
|OffencePage=Criminal Harassment
|Section=264 
|Act={{OBCCC}} 
|CrownElection={{OBHybridElection}} 
|Jurisdiction={{OBJurisdictionAll-Under14}} 
|Bail={{OBBailAll}}
|SummaryDisp= {{OBDispAll}} 
|SummaryMin= {{OBMinNone}} 
|SummaryMax={{OBSConviction}} 
|IndictableDisp= {{OBDispSame}} 
|IndictableMin= {{OBMinNone}}  
|IndictableMax= {{OBTime|10 years}} 
}}

==Overview==
{{OverviewVIII|criminal harassment}}

; Pleadings
{{PleadingsHeader-N}}
{{PleadingsHybridList-N|s. 264 {{DescrSec|264}} | Yes | {{YesIfCrown}} | {{No-Under14}} }}
{{PleadingsEnd}}

{{PleadingsHybridElection-Under14|s. 264 {{DescrSec|264}} }}

{{Section109Notice}}

; Release
{{ReleaseHeader}}
|s. 264 {{DescrSec|264}} || {{ReleaseProfile-Hybrid}} 
|-
{{ReleaseEnd}}

{{ReleaseOptions-Hybrid|s. 264 {{DescrSec|264}} }}

:''<u>Reverse Onus Bail</u>''
{{ReverseOnusCirc}}

:''Fingerprints and Photos''
{{IDCriminalAct|s. 264 {{DescrSec|264}} }}

; Publication Bans
{{GeneralPubBan}}

; Offence Designations
{{DesignationHeader}}
|-
|s. 264 {{DescrSec|264}} || {{XMark}} <!--wire--> || {{XMark}} <!--DO-->||{{OKMark}} <!--SPIO--> || {{XMark}} <!--consent--> || {{OKMark}} <!--IRPA-->
{{DesignationEnd}}
{{SPIODesignation|A|s. 264 {{DescrSec|264}}}}

{{SeeBelowForAncillary}}

==Offence Wording==
{{quotation2|
; Criminal harassment
264 (1) No person shall, without lawful authority and knowing that another person is harassed or recklessly as to whether the other person is harassed, engage in conduct referred to in subsection (2) {{AnnSec2|264(2)}} that causes that other person reasonably, in all the circumstances, to fear for their safety or the safety of anyone known to them.
<br>
; Prohibited conduct
(2) The conduct mentioned in subsection (1) {{AnnSec2|264(1)}} consists of
:(a) repeatedly following from place to place the other person or anyone known to them;
:(b) repeatedly communicating with, either directly or indirectly, the other person or anyone known to them;
:(c) besetting or watching the dwelling-house, or place where the other person, or anyone known to them, resides, works, carries on business or happens to be; or
:(d) engaging in threatening conduct directed at the other person or any member of their family.

; Punishment
(3) Every person who contravenes this section is guilty of
:(a) an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years; or
:(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.

{{removed|(4) and (5)}}
R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. C-46}}, s. 264; 
R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.)}}, s. 37; 
{{LegHistory90s|1993, c. 45}}, s. 2; 
{{LegHistory90s|1997, c. 16}}, s. 4, c. 17, s. 9; 
{{LegHistory00s|2002, c. 13}}, s. 10.
{{Annotation}}
|{{CCCSec2|264}} 
|{{NoteUp|264|1|2|3}}
}}

===Draft Form of Charges===
{{seealso|Draft Form of Charges}}
{{DraftHeader}}
|-
|264
| harassment
|"{{ellipsis1}} knowing that [complainant] is harassed or being reckless as to whether [complainant] is harassed did without lawful authority repeatedly communicate directly or indirectly with [complainant], thereby causing [complainant] to reasonably, in all circumstances, fear for his/her safety {{contrary|264}}."	
{{DraftEnd}}

==Proof of the Offence==
{{ElementHeader}}
{{ElementLeft}}

{{Proving|criminal harassment|264}}<ref>
{{CanLIIRx|Coppola|1r9gw|2007 ONCJ 184 (CanLII)}}{{perONCJ| Wolder J}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Sillipp|2dfk5|1997 ABCA 346 (CanLII)|120 CCC (3d) 384}}{{perABQB|Berger J}}{{atL|2dfk5|18}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Sanchez|ftvnf|2012 BCCA 469 (CanLII)|294 CCC (3d) 290}}{{perBCCA|MacKenzie JA}}
</ref>
{{InitialElements}}
# {{box}} the culprit has engaged in the conduct set out in s. 264(2)(a), (b), (c) or (d) of the Criminal Code;
# {{box}} the complainant was harassed by the conduct;
# {{box}} the culprit, who engaged in such conduct, knew that the complainant was harassed or was reckless or wilfully blind as to whether the complainant was harassed;
# {{box}} the conduct caused the complainant to fear for their safety or the safety of anyone known to them; and
# {{box}} the complainant’s fear was, in all the circumstances, reasonable. <ref>
See {{CanLIIRP|Kosikar|1f9qj|1999 CanLII 3775 (ON CA)|138 CCC (3d) 217}}{{perONCA|Goudge JA}}{{atL|1f9qj|19}}<br>
</ref>
{{ElementEnd}}

{{reflist|2}}

==Interpretation of the Offence==

===''Actus Reus''===
; Repeated Communications
The requirement for the accused to be "repeatedly communicating" with the victim under s. 264(2)(b) can be made out with as few as two instances depending on the circumstances.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Ohenhen|1lp34|2005 CanLII 34564 (ON CA)|200 CCC (3d) 309}}{{perONCA|MacFarland JA}}{{atL|1lp34|32}}<br>
</ref>

; Harassed
To establish harassment, the crown must prove "that the prohibited conduct tormented, troubled, worried continually or chronically, plagued, bedeviled or badgered the complainant"<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Kosikar|1f9qj|1999 CanLII 3775 (ON CA)|138 CCC (3d) 217}}{{perONCA|Goudge JA}}</ref>
Each of these terms are synonymous with harassment  and are not cumulative. 
<ref> 
{{CanLIIRP|Kordrostami|1fb4z|2000 CanLII 5670 (ON CA)| OR (3d) 788}}{{perONCA|Sharpe JA}}{{atL|1fb4z|11}} (CA)
</ref>

Harassment requires a "sense of being subject to ongoing torment."<ref>
{{supra1|Kosikar}}{{atL|1f9qj|25}}
</ref>
Harassment is more than merely being “vexed, disquieted or annoyed”.<ref>
see {{CanLIIRP|Petrenko|26tv6|2009 CanLII 66612 (ON SC)|[2009] OJ No 5094}}{{perONSC|Durno J}}{{atL|26tv6|10}} (SCJ)
</ref>

; Threatening Conduct
Threatening conduct is "a tool of intimidation which is designed to instil a sense of fear in the recipient."<ref>
{{CanLIIRx|MH|g2nkd|2014 ONSC 36 (CanLII)}}{{perONSC|Hackland J}}{{atL|g2nkd|60}}<br>
See also {{CanLIIRP|Burns|1vcwd|2008 ONCA 6 (CanLII)|77 WCB (2d) 402}}{{TheCourtONCA}}{{atL|1vcwd|2}}<br>
</ref>
The consideration of the "design" is upon the "effect of the accused's conduct on a reasonable person in the shoes of the target of the conduct."<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Sims|hn8bt|2017 ONCA 856 (CanLII)|41 CR (7th) 416}}{{perONCA| Laskin JA}}{{atL|hn8bt|20}}
</ref>

The conduct must be assessed "objectively", "with due consideration for the circumstances in which they took place" and "with regard to the effects those acts had on the recipient."<ref>
{{supra1|MH}}{{atL|g2nkd|60}}<br>
{{supra1|Burns}}<br>
</ref>

Whether conduct is threatening is to be considered from "the perspective of the complainant."<ref>
{{supra1|MH}}{{atL|g2nkd|58}}<br>
</ref>
It can be from a "single act provided it carries as a consequence that the complainant is in a state of being harassed."<ref>
{{supra1|Kosikar}}{{atL|1f9qj|22}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Kohl|229l5|2009 ONCA 100 (CanLII)|241 CCC (3d) 284}}{{perONCA|Armstrong JA}} (single instance of accused jumping out of bushes and chasing the victim who was a stranger)
</ref>

It is not necessary that the conduct "contain threats or violent behaviour."<ref>
{{supra1|MH}}{{atL|g2nkd|59}}<br>
</ref> 
It is also not necessary that there be spoken words at all.<ref>
{{supra1|MH}}{{atL|g2nkd|61}}<br>
{{supra1|Kohl}}<br>
</ref>

The offences should not include conduct that is merely "mean, petty, uncooperative and spiteful."<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|McDougall|g1bk2|1990 CanLII 6788 (ON CA)|62 CCC (3d) 174}}{{perONCA-H|Doherty JA}}{{atL|g1bk2|47}} - in reference to another offence
</ref>

; "besetting or watching"
Besetting is active in nature that involves a "physical element of approaching and, with respect to another person, importuning or seeking to argue with that person."<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Eltom|2bm1x|2010 ONSC 4001 (CanLII)|258 CCC (3d) 224}}{{perONSC|Trotter J}}{{atL|2bm1x|13}}<br>
see also {{CanLIIRT|Dyck||2018 SKPC 49 (CanLII)}}{{perSKPC|Kaiser J}}{{atL||145}}
</ref>

Watching is the passive act of "continually observing for a purpose."<ref>
{{ibid1|Eltom}}{{atL|2bm1x|13}}<br>
</ref>

Merely looking at someone and smiling while standing alone is not sufficient to be "watching."<ref>
{{ibid1|Eltom}}{{atL|2bm1x|14}}<br>
</ref>

; Fear for Safety
Safety extends beyond simply fear of physical harm but also includes psychological and emotional security.<ref>
{{CanLIIR-N|Gowing|, [1994] OJ No 2743 (Gen.Div.)}}{{at-|5}} (aff’d on appeal Gowing, [1998] OJ No 90)</ref>

Fear for safety includes "a state of anxiety or apprehension concerning the risk of substantial psychological harm or emotional distress, in addition to physical danger or harm."<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Szostak|fs2zr|2012 ONCA 503 (CanLII)|111 OR (3d) 241}}{{perONCA|Rosenberg JA}}{{atL|fs2zr|31}}
</ref> 
But a mere fear for one's "financial well-being" is not enough.<ref>
see {{CanLIIRP|Lincoln|1vgz7|2008 ONCJ 14 (CanLII)|777 WCB (2d) 104}}{{perONCJ|Brewer J}}
</ref>

"Reasonable fear" is determined on an objective standard.<ref>
{{supra1|MH}}{{atL|g2nkd|66}}<br>
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

===''Mens Rea''===
The ''mens rea'' requires an intent to commit the prohibited act. The knowledge requirement can be satisfied by recklessness or willful blindness that the act caused the victim to be harassed.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Kosikar|1f9qj|1999 CanLII 3775 (ON CA)| OAC 289}}{{perONCA|Goudge JA}}<br>
{{CanLIIRx|MH|g2nkd|2014 ONSC 36 (CanLII)}}{{perONSC|Hackland J}}{{atL|g2nkd|57}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Davis|1rkz3|1999 CanLII 14505 (MB QB)| Man. R. (2d) 105}}{{perMBQB|Beard J}}{{atL|1rkz3|35}}<br>
</ref>

There is no requirement that it be proven that the "accused subjectively intended to engage in threatening conduct."<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Sim|hn8bt|2017 ONCA 856 (CanLII)|41 CR (7th) 416}}{{perONCA|Laskin JA}}{{atL|hn8bt|15}}<br>
</ref>

The harassment need not be foreseeable to the accused.<ref>
{{supra1|Davis}}{{atL|1rkz3|35}} ("The mental element of the offence does not include a requirement that the accused foresee that his conduct will cause the complainant to be fearful")</ref>

There is no requirement to prove the ''mens rea'' of the offence where it can be inferred from the facts.<ref>
{{supra1|Petrenko}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Holmes|20krj|2008 ONCA 604 (CanLII)|[2008] OJ No 3415 (CA)}}{{TheCourt}}<br>
</ref>

The level of intent can be proven by way of pre-offence conduct and details of the relationship between the accused and victim.<ref>
{{supra1|MH}}{{atL|g2nkd|65}}<br>
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

===Circumstances of Offence===
; Lawful Authority
The phrase "lawful authority" means merely rendering legally permissible that which would otherwise be prohibited.<ref>
 {{CanLIIRP|Sillipp|2dfk5|1997 ABCA 346 (CanLII)|120 CCC (3d) 384}}{{perABQB|Berger J}}{{atL|2dfk5|20}}
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

===Evidence===
{{Section486.3(2)}}

==Participation of Third Parties==
{{seealso|Role of the Victim and Third Parties|Testimonial Aids for Young, Disabled or Vulnerable Witnesses}}

; Testimonial Aids
{{3rdPTestimonyAids}}

; On Finding of Guilt
{{VictimHeader}} <!-- Sections / Notice of Agree / Notice of Restitution / Notice of VIS --> 
|s. 264 {{DescrSec|264}} || || || 
|- 
{{VictimEnd}}
{{606NoticeSPIO|s. 264}}

{{RestitutionNotice}}

{{VISNotice}}

==Sentencing Principles and Ranges==
{{seealsoSentencing}}

; Maximum Penalties
{{SProfileMaxHeader}}
{{SProfileMax|s. 264.1 {{DescrSec|264}} | {{summary}} | {{summaryconviction}} }}
{{SProfileMax|s. 264.1 {{DescrSec|264}} | {{indictment}} | {{Max10Years}} }}
{{SProfileEnd}}

{{MaxPenaltyHybrid|s. 264.1 {{DescrSec|264}}|'''{{Max10Years}}'''|'''{{summaryconviction}}'''}}

; Minimum Penalties
{{NoMinimumPenalties}}

; Available Dispositions
{{SProfileAvailHeader}}
|s. 264.1 {{DescrSec|264}}|| {{summary}} || {{SProfileAll}}
|-
|s. 264.1 {{DescrSec|264}}|| {{indictment}} || {{SProfileNoCSO}}
|-
{{SProfileEnd}}

{{NoCSOAvailable|F|s. 264 {{DescrSec|264}}}}

; Consecutive Sentences
{{NoConsecutive}}

===Principles===
Harassment in a domestic context is considered "particularly heinous because they are not isolated events in the life of the victim. Rather, the victim is often subjected not only to continuing abuse, both physical and emotional, but also experiences perpetual fear of the offender."<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Bates|1fbc9|2000 CanLII 5759 (ON CA)| OAC 156}}{{atL|1fbc9|30}} (CA)
</ref>

The absence of physical violence does not reduce the seriousness of the offence and is not mitigating. The offence targets the use of "psychological violence" that is done over a "prolonged period" of time.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Finnessey|1fbc1|2000 CanLII 16862 (ON CA)| (2000), OAC 396}}{{TheCourtONCA}}{{atL|1fbc1|16}} (CA)<br>
{{CanLIIRx|MH|g2nkd|2014 ONSC 36 (CanLII)}}{{perONSC|Hackland J}} 
</ref>

; Factors
{{quotation2|
264<br>
{{removed|(1), (2) and (3)}}
; Factors to be considered
(4) Where a person is convicted of an offence under this section, the court imposing the sentence on the person shall consider as an aggravating factor that, at the time the offence was committed, the person contravened
:(a) the terms or conditions of an order made pursuant to section 161 {{AnnSec1|161}} or a recognizance entered into pursuant to section 810 {{AnnSec8|810}}, 810.1 {{AnnSec8|810.1}} or 810.2 {{AnnSec8|810.2}}; or
(b) the terms or conditions of any other order or recognizance, or of an undertaking, made or entered into under the common law, this Act or any other Act of Parliament or of a provincial legislature that is similar in effect to an order or recognizance referred to in paragraph (a).

; Reasons
(5) Where the court is satisfied of the existence of an aggravating factor referred to in subsection (4) {{AnnSec2|264(4)}}, but decides not to give effect to it for sentencing purposes, the court shall give reasons for its decision.
<br>
R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. C-46}}, s. 264; 
R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.)}}, s. 37; 
{{LegHistory90s|1993, c. 45}}, s. 2; 
{{LegHistory90s|1997, c. 16}}, s. 4, {{LegHistory90sA|1997|c. 17}}, s. 9; 
{{LegHistory00s|2002, c. 13}}, s. 10;
{{LegHistory10s|2019, c. 25}}, s. 91.
{{Annotation}}
|{{CCCSec2|264}}
|{{NoteUp|264|4|5}}
}}

{{reflist|2}}

===Ranges===
{{seealsoRanges|Criminal Harassment}}

== Ancillary Sentencing Orders ==
; Offence-specific Orders
{{AOrderHeader}}
| [[DNA Orders|DNA order]]||s. 264 {{DescrSec|264}}||
*{{SecondDNA(CtoE)|s. 264 {{DescrSec|264}}}}
|-
| [[Weapons Prohibition Orders]] ||s. 264 {{DescrSec|264}}||
* {{Section109|BorC|s. 264 {{DescrSec|264}}}}
|-
| [[SOIRA Orders]]||s. 264 {{DescrSec|264}}||
* {{SOIRA2|BHybrid|s. 264 {{DescrSec|264}}}}
|-
| [[Delayed_Parole_Eligibility|Delayed Parole Order]] ||s. 264 {{DescrSec|264}} ||
* {{ParoleDelayEligible|1|s. 264}}
{{AOrderEnd}}

; General Sentencing Orders
{{GeneralSentencingOrders}}

; General Forfeiture Orders
{{GeneralForfeitureOrders}}

==Record Suspensions and Pardons==
{{RecordSuspension|s. 264 {{DescrSec|264}} }}

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

==See Also==
* [[Distribution of Intimate Images (Offence)]]
* [http://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2013/jus/J2-166-2012-eng.pdf handbook on criminal harassment]
; References
* [[Pre-Trial and Trial Motions Checklist]]
{{OffencesNavBar/Violence}}