Jurisdiction of the Courts: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 18:04, 10 October 2024

This page was last substantively updated or reviewed Sept 2022. (Rev. # 96586)

General Principles

"Jurisdiction" generally refers to the legal authority or power of the court to decide an issue. ^[1]

It has been observed that criminal law, in contrast with civil law, is "highly territorial" and that countries should not "enforce the criminal law of other countries."^[2]

Types of Jurisdiction

The three forms of jurisdiction consist of:^[3]

prescriptive jurisdiction (also called legislative or substantive jurisdiction): The authority "to make rules, issue commands or grant authorizations that are binding upon persons and entities"
enforcement jurisdiction: The authority to "use coercive means to ensure that rules are followed, commands are executed or entitlements are upheld" and
adjudicative jurisdiction: The authority to "resolve disputes or interpret the law through decisions that carry binding force".

Issues of jurisdiction will often involve overlapping between the types of jurisdiction.^[4]

↑ Reference re Judicature Act, 1988 CanLII 5677 (NB CA), 46 CCC (3d) 203, per Stratton CJ, at p. 218
R v Gray, 1991 CanLII 7130 (ONSC), 68 CCC 193 (Ont.), per Watt J ("By jurisdiction is meant the authority to decide a case, to determine an issue. Its essence is the authority to determine the issue, not the nature or correctness, actual or perceived, of the determination made.")
↑ Police File No 2016-32834 (Re), 2016 BCPC 359 (CanLII), per Brecknell J, at para 7 citing Rafferty & S. Pitel, Conflicts of Law (Irwin: 2010), p. 56
↑ R v Chowdhury, 2014 ONSC 2635 (CanLII), per Nordheimer J, at para 9
R v Hape, 2007 SCC 26 (CanLII), [2007] 2 SCR 292, per LeBel J, at para 58
↑ e.g. see Chowdhury, supra, at para 10

Basis and Origin of Jurisdiction

Territoriality

Traditionally in criminal matters, jurisdiction has been tied to the state based on a geographic region or territory. This is known as the "principle of territoriality."^[1]

From these two principles of jurisdiction arise. There is the "objective territorial principle" of jurisdiction and the "subjective territorial principle" of jurisdiction .^[2] The objective principle imposes jurisdiction over acts that either being or end within the state or in which a "constituent element" of the offence takes place within the state. The subjective principle imposes jurisdiction over actions that occur or begin within the state's territory regardless of the location of the consequences.^[3]

Qualified Territoriality

The traditional principle of territoriality has been extended to adapt to transnational and international activities, creating concurrent jurisdiction between nations.^[4] This will normally apply in cases where the harm caused by the acts of a foreign national outside of the country are felt within Canada on the basis of the “objective territorial principle”.^[5] This has also been recognized in cases involving communications between two jurisdictions.^[6]

Any extension of jurisdiction should be limited by the principles of "real and substantial" connection and comity between nations.^[7]

Nationality

Jurisdiction can also be derived on the basis nationality for persons acting while outside of the country.^[8] At common law, it is recognized that Canada has an interest in prosecuting acts of its citizens committed outside of the country.^[9]

Plenary or Universal Jurisdiction

Certain circumstances have universal jurisdiction. These are typically specific offences legislated as being prosecutable in Canada irrespective of the territoriality over the matter.^[10]

↑ R v Libman, 1985 CanLII 51 (SCC), per La Forest J, at para 11
↑ R v Hape, 2007 SCC 26 (CanLII), [2007] 2 SCR 292, per LeBel J, at para 59
↑ Hape, ibid., at para 59
↑ R v Chowdhury, 2014 ONSC 2635 (CanLII), per Nordheimer J, at para 11
↑ Chowdhury, supra, at para 23
↑ R v McKenzie Securities Ltd., 1966 CanLII 485 (MB CA), [1966] 4 CCC 29, per Freedman JA, at para 53 ("The nature of some offences is such that the can properly be described as occurring in the more than one place. This is peculiarly the case where a transaction is carried on by mail from one territorial jurisdiction to another, or indeed by telephone from one such jurisdiction to another. This has been recognized by the common law for centuries.")
↑ Chowdhury, supra, at paras 11, 23
Libman, supra, at paras 71, 74
↑ Chowdhury, supra, at para 12
Hape, supra, at para 60
↑ Chowdhury, supra, at para 23
↑ Chowdhury, supra, at para 15
e.g. s. 7(2.01) and (4.1)

Legislative Jurisdiction

Parliament has the constitutional authority to legislate jurisdiction over non-Canadians' conduct outside of the country. However, where international law is violated, such intent must do so clearly and expressly.^[1]

Limits on Provincial Legislation

The applicability of provincial offences does not apply to "matters not sufficiently connected to" the province.^[2] "Sufficiency" depends on "the relationship among the enacting jurisdiction, the subject matter of the legislation and the individual or entity sought to be regulated."^[3]

Out-of-province application of provincial offences must be constrained by the principles of "order and fairness". These principles are purposive and are applied flexibly.^[4]

↑ R v Chowdhury, 2014 ONSC 2635 (CanLII), per Nordheimer J, at paras 20 to 21
Hape, supra
↑ Unifund Assurance Co. v Insurance Corp. of British Columbia, 2003 SCC 40 (CanLII), [2003] 2 SCR 63, per Binnie J, at para 56
↑ Unifund, ibid.
↑ Unifund, ibid.

Adjudicative Jurisdiction

For a court to have "adjudicative jurisdiction" to decide a matter, the court must have jurisdiction over both the offence and the person.^[1] These must be treated as distinct and separate elements.^[2]

In criminal matters, the adjudicative jurisdiction is limited by section 6(2) of the Code which prohibits "extraterritorial jurisdiction."^[3] It states that:

6
[omitted (1)]

Offences outside Canada

(2) Subject to this Act or any other Act of Parliament, no person shall be convicted or discharged under section 730 [order of discharge] of an offence committed outside Canada.
[omitted (3)]
R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 6; R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 4, c. 1 (4th Supp.), s. 18(F); 1995, c. 22, s. 10.
[annotation(s) added]

– CCC (CanLII), (DOJ)

Note up: 6 (2)

Defined terms: "Act" (s. 2) and "Canada" (s. 35 IA)

Similarly, s. 467 states:

Offence committed entirely in one province

478 (1) Subject to this Act, a court in a province shall not try an offence committed entirely in another province.
[omitted (2), (3), (4) and (5)]
R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 478; R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), ss. 64, 101(E); 1994, c. 44, s. 33(E).
[annotation(s) added]

– CCC (CanLII), (DOJ)

Note up: 478 (1)

There are several statutory exceptions within the code for certain types of offences including those that occur in space, on planes, and in boats as well as war crimes and crimes against humanity.^[4]

Attention should be paid to whether the province has provincial legislation that dictates the jurisdiction of the court over persons and subject matters.^[5]

Jurisdiction to Adjudicate Certain Rights

Before a Court can adjudicate matters including Charter rights the Court must be a "court of competent jurisdiction", which requires authority over: 1) the person(s); 2) the subject-matter; and 3) the remedy.^[6]

↑ R v Chowdhury, 2014 ONSC 2635 (CanLII), per Nordheimer J, at para 13
↑ Chowdhury, supra, at para 13
↑ Chowdhury, supra, at para 14
↑ Chowdhury, supra, at para 15
see also s. 7
↑ e.g. British Columbia: Court Jurisdiction and Proceedings Transfer Act, SBC 2003, c 28
Nova Scotia: Court Jurisdiction and Proceedings Transfer Act, SNS 2003 (2d Sess), c 2
Saskatchewan: The Court Jurisdiction and Proceedings Transfer Act, SS 1997, c C-41.1
↑ R v Mills, 1986 CanLII 17 (SCC), [1986] 1 SCR 863, per McIntyre J - considering the jurisdiction under s. 24(1) of the Charter to grant remedies

Principles Limiting Jurisdiction Outside of Canada

See also: Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction of the Courts

Jurisdiction of Courts

See also: Election and Criminal Courts

In the common law, an accused should stand trial in the "locality" of where the offence occurred. This "locality rule" means that an accused will be tried before the most local court available. ^[1] This rule is based on the convenience of the witnesses, victims and accused persons and also on the historical tradition of the grand jury and petit jury who affirm charges and try a case as being from the same locale as the offence.^[2]

The "locality rule" has no application to summary proceeding offences given the application of s. 785 and 798.^[3]

Burden of Proof

The Crown does not need to prove that the court has jurisdiction to try a case. Unless statutorily required, the Crown can presume jurisdiction until such point where an application is made. ^[4]

↑ R v Davis, 2018 ONSC 4630 (CanLII), per Di Luca J, at paras 13, 21
↑ Davis, ibid., at para 13
↑ R v Feige, [1992] OJ No 2521 (Ont. Ct. (Gen.Div.)(*no CanLII links) , per Ferguson J
Davis, supra, at para 17
R v Ponnuthurai, [2002] OJ No 4741 (O.C.J.)(*no CanLII links)
↑ R v Minot, 2011 NLCA 7 (CanLII), 266 CCC (3d) 74, per Hoegg JA (3:0), at para 27

Superior Court (Including Inherent Jurisdiction)

A Superior Court has "inherent jurisdiction" that is derived from s. 96 of the Constitution Act, 1867. This is also referred to as “original and plenary jurisdiction”. This means that the Superior Court has jurisdiction over all civil and criminal matters unless expressly removed by statute.^[1] However, the “core powers” of the superior court cannot be removed by statute without violating s.96 of the Constitution Act 1867.^[2]

Inherent jurisdiction has few limitations. It grants courts powers to "among other things, empowers a superior court to regulate its proceedings in a way that secures convenience, expeditiousness and efficiency in the administration of justice."^[3]

The purpose behind inherent jurisdiction is to "to uphold, to protect and fulfill the judicial function of administering justice according to law in a regular, orderly and effective manner."^[4]

Legislative "silence" cannot be used to limit jurisdiction of superior courts over its own process. However, it should only be applied after taking a purposive interpretation of relevant legislation and determining that there is no specific statutory jurisdiction.^[5]

Limitations

This jurisdiction cannot be exercised in contravention of any unambiguous statutory provision.^[6]

It is to be exercised "sparingly."^[7]

Section 468 of the Criminal Code, provides authority over indictable offences unless the Province of the particular Superior Court lacks a real and substantial connection to the offence itself.

Superior court of criminal jurisdiction

468 Every superior court of criminal jurisdiction has jurisdiction to try any indictable offence.
R.S., c. C-34, s. 426.

– CCC (CanLII), (DOJ)

Note up: 468

This "inherent jurisdiction" also provides power to control the judicial process and to remedy unfairness.^[8]

This power includes limited authority to delegate decision-making powers on an issue to another superior court justice "by invitation."^[9] It does not allow a judge seized with a trial matter to delegate the trial process.^[10]

Jurisdiction Over Persons

Section 470 states:

Jurisdiction over person

470. Subject to this Act, every superior court of criminal jurisdiction and every court of criminal jurisdiction that has power to try an indictable offence is competent to try an accused for that offence

(a) if the accused is found, is arrested or is in custody within the territorial jurisdiction of the court; or

(b) if the accused has been ordered to be tried by
(i) that court, or

(ii) any other court, the jurisdiction of which has by lawful authority been transferred to that court.

R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 470; R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 101.

– CCC (CanLII), (DOJ)

Note up: 470

The purpose of s. 470, enacted in 1985, was to loosen the long-standing "locality rule" that restricted where a trial court be held.^[11]

The term "territorial jurisdiction" as found in s. 470 generally refers to offences committed anywhere in the province.^[12]

↑ MacMillan Bloedel v Simpson Ltd, 1995 CanLII 57 (SCC), [1995] 4 SCR 725, per Lamer CJ
R v Cunningham, 2010 SCC 10 (CanLII), [2010] 1 SCR 331, per Rothstein J, at paras 18 to 19
↑ See McMillan Bloedel v Simpson Ltd, ibid.
↑ R v Endean v British Columbia, 2016 SCC 42 (CanLII), [2016] 2 SCR 162, per Cromwell J, at para 60
↑ R v Park, 2009 ABQB 374 (CanLII), [2009] A.J. No. 862, per Topolniski J, at para 14
Bass & Bloom v. McNally, 2003 NLCA 15, 223 Nfld. & P.E.I.R. 322, at para. 15
↑ , supra, at para 14 (Legislative silence does not limit a superior court's inherent jurisdiction to control its own process. However, inherent jurisdiction should only be resorted to after a purposive interpretation of the relevant legislation results in the legislation not otherwise providing jurisdiction.")
↑ Parsons v Ontario, 2015 ONCA 158 (CanLII), 381 DLR (4th) 667, per Juriansz JA, at para 73("Thus, a superior court may exercise its inherent jurisdiction on matters regulated by statute but may not contravene any statutory provision")
Park, supra, at para 14 ("Inherent jurisdiction cannot be used to negate the unambiguous expression of legislative will.")
Baxter Student Housing Ltd. v. College Housing Cooperative Ltd., 1975 CanLII 164 (SCC), [1976] 2 SCR 475, per Dickson J at 480 (SCR)
R v Keating, 1973 CanLII 1438 (ON CA), 11 CCC (2d) 133, per Kelly JA at pp. 135-36
↑ Park, supra, at para 14 ("Moreover, because it is a special and extraordinary power it should be exercised only sparingly and in a clear case")
↑ R v Rose, 1998 CanLII 768 (SCC), [1998] 3 SCR 262, per Cory, Iacobucci and Bastarache JJ
R v Pilarinos, 2001 BCSC 1332 (CanLII), 158 CCC 1 (BCSC), per Bennett J
↑ R v Duong, 1998 CanLII 14950 (ON SC), 129 CCC (3d) 430, at para 27 ("...a superior court trial judge “by invitation” could confer the decision-making authority (to decide on his disqualification based on apprehension of bias) to another judge of the superior court. He reasoned that a superior court trial judge’s inherent jurisdiction to control the process of the court must include the jurisdiction to transfer the authority to hear such a trial application, to another judge of concurrent jurisdiction.")
↑ Duong, ibid.
↑ R v Singh, 2018 ONSC 1532 (CanLII), per Durno J ("Section 470 was enacted in 1985 to loosen the long-standing common law rule that trials be held in the locality in which it occurred. The section abolished the concept that a crime should be tried in the community where it is alleged to have occurred: R.E. Salhany, Canadian Criminal Procedure, 5th ed., Canada Law Book, pp.29-30.") see also para 21
↑ R v Davis, 2018 ONSC 4630 (CanLII), per Di Luca J, at para 16
R v Feige, [1992] OJ No 2521 (Ont. Ct. (Gen.Div.))(*no CanLII links)
R v Reyat, 1990 CanLII 1479 (BC SC), [1990] B.C.J. No 1331 (B.C.S.C.), per Callaghan J
R v Jeffries, 2010 ONSC 772 (CanLII), 86 WCB (2d) 859, per Gauthier J

Provincial and Territorial Court

A Provincial or Territorial Court has jurisdiction derived by statute alone and depends on the Criminal Code for the source of its authority.^[1]

Practical Necessity or Necessary Implication

That authority must be explicitly provided by statute or by necessary implication or "practical necessity."^[2] However, the authority must be exercised “according to the rules of reason and justice”^[3]

Practical necessity is where it is "necessary to effectively and efficiently carry out [the statute’s] purpose". However, it need not be "absolutely necessary for the court to realize the object of [the] statute."^[4]

There must be "so strong a probability of intention" that the contrary intention cannot be supposed.^[5]

Implied Powers

Practical necessity includes a provincial court “authority to control the [its own] process”.^[6]

Section 798 found in part XXVII of the Code [Summary Convictions] states that:

Jurisdiction

798. Every summary conviction court has jurisdiction to try, determine and adjudge proceedings to which this Part applies in the territorial division over which the person who constitutes that court has jurisdiction.
R.S., c. C-34, s. 733.
[annotation(s) added]

– CCC (CanLII), (DOJ)

Note up: 798

Geographic Boundaries

Provincial Court judges are limited to only exercise authority "within their territorial jurisdiction."^[7]

Section 2 states that a territorial division "includes any province, county, union of counties, township, city, town, parish or other judicial division or place to which the context applies". This term is to be read strictly to refer only to divisions within Canada and not international boundaries.^[8]

↑ R v Doyle, 1976 CanLII 11 (SCC), [1977] 1 SCR 597, per Ritchie J
R v SJL, 2002 BCCA 174 (CanLII), 163 CCC (3d) 560, per Rowles JA
↑ R v Doyle v. The Queen, (1975) 35 CRNS 1(*no CanLII links) at 6
R v RJH, 2000 ABCA 111 (CanLII), 145 CCC (3d) 202, per Fruman JA, at para 12
SJL, ibid., at para 23
R v Cunningham, 2010 SCC 10 (CanLII), [2010] 1 SCR 331, per Rothstein J (9:0), at para 19 ("Likewise in the case of statutory courts, the authority to control the court’s process and oversee the conduct of counsel is necessarily implied in the grant of power to function as a court of law")
↑ eg. see R v Price, 2010 NBCA 84 (CanLII), 942 APR 324, per Richard JA
↑ Re: Section 490 Application - Without Notice, 2022 ABPC 100 (CanLII), {{{4}}}, per Fradsham J, at para 14
R v 974649 Ontario Inc, 2001 SCC 81 (CanLII), [2001] 3 SCR 575, per McLachlin CJ, at paras 70 to 71
↑ RJH, supra, at para 27 ("Adding provisions to a statute by necessary implication cannot be done on a judicial whim. The test to be met before provisions may be added requires “so strong a probability of intention that an intention contrary to that which is imputed...[by the statute]... cannot be supposed”: ")
↑ Cunningham, ibid., at para 19
Ontario v Criminal Lawyers Association, 2013 SCC 43 (CanLII), [2013] 3 SCR 3, per Karakatsanis J, at para 44
↑ Re The Queen and Smith, 1973 CanLII 1502 (NB CA), 12 CCC (2d) 11 (N.B.C.A.), per Hughes CJ, at p. 9 ("Inferior Courts can exercise their powers only within their territorial jurisdiction")
see also Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction of the Courts
↑ R v OB, 1997 CanLII 949 (ON CA)), 116 CCC (3d) 189, per Lacouricere JA
R v Farler, 2005 NSCA 105 (CanLII), 745 APR 374, per Saunders JA, at para 21

Youth Justice Court

A youth justice court refers to either a provincial court or superior court that has jurisdiction over young persons, and adult who commit offences as a young person, by virtue of s. 13 of the YCJA. This jurisdiction over young persons is exclusive.^[1] While sitting as a youth justice court, the judge or justice maintains their original powers and jurisdiction.^[2]

↑ s. 14 of the YCJA
↑ See s. 14(7) in reference to a superior court
see s. 14(6) in reference to a summary conviction provincial court

Jurisdiction Over Persons

Section 470 enables both provincial and superior courts to try an accused for an indictable offence where:

the accused "is found, is arrested or is in custody within the territorial jurisdiction of the court" or
the accused "has been ordered to be tried by" the same court or any other court "the jurisdiction of which has ... been transferred to that court".

This power will be subject to limitations including those found in s.478 which prohibits prosecution of an offence occurring entirely in another province unless it is for the purpose of receiving a guilty plea in accordance with its provisions.

Charter does not apply to actions of foreign authorities acting outside of the country. ^[1]

In some circumstances, a person appearing by counsel only have been found to have found to have attorned to the jurisdiction.^[2]

↑ see "Charter Rights Outside of Canada" above
↑ e.g. Dougan, 2012 YKSC 88 (CanLII), <https://canlii.ca/t/fvsf0 per McIntyre at para 22

Adults

The Courts have jurisdiction over an accused by virtue of their presence in court.^[1] The accused is required to be present for all indictable matters. It is because the accused must be a part of all matters of "vital interest."^[2] The accused must be present at trial so as to hear the case against them.

For Summary matters the court may proceed without the presence of the accused except if liable for more than 6 months imprisonment.^[3] This would include trial matters by way of an ex parte motion.^[4]

The law does not recognize "conditional appearances to contest service."^[5]

↑ s.470(a)
Gordon v Canada, 1980 CanLII 373 (BC CA), 55 CCC (2d) 197, per Anderson JA
↑ R v Vezina; Cote, 1986 CanLII 93 (SCC), [1986] 1 SCR 2, per Lamer J
↑ s. 800(2) and 802.1
↑ s. 803(2)(a)
↑ R v Sinopec Shanghai Engineering Company Ltd., 2011 ABCA 331 (CanLII), 532 WAC 182, per Bielby JA (2:1)

Designations of Counsel

See also: Representation at Trial

As stated, the Courts have jurisdiction over an accused present in court. The accused may appoint counsel to represent them for any proceedings under the Criminal Code by filing a designation of counsel pursuant to s. 650.01(1). ^[1] Where a designation has been properly filed with the Court the accused does not need to be present for certain court appearances except for when oral evidence is being heard.^[2] As such the Court will not lose jurisdiction over the accused due to his or her absence.^[3] A valid designation must contain the name and address of the counsel, as well as set out the charge(s) and date(s) of alleged offences or any particulars identifying the matters, and it must be signed by the accused and designated counsel.^[4]

Designation of counsel of record

650.01 (1) An accused may appoint counsel to represent the accused for any proceedings under this Act by filing a designation with the court.

Contents of designation

(2) The designation must contain the name and address of the counsel and be signed by the accused and the designated counsel.

Effect of designation

(3) If a designation is filed,

(a) the accused may appear by the designated counsel without being present for any part of the proceedings, other than
(i) a part during which oral evidence of a witness is taken,

(ii) a part during which jurors are being selected, and

(iii) an application for a writ of habeas corpus;

(b) an appearance by the designated counsel is equivalent to the accused’s being present, unless the court orders otherwise; and

(c) a plea of guilty may be made, and a sentence may be pronounced, only if the accused is present, unless the court orders otherwise.

When court orders presence of accused

(4) If the court orders the accused to be present otherwise than by appearance by the designated counsel, the court may

(a) issue a summons to compel the presence of the accused and order that it be served by leaving a copy at the address contained in the designation; or

(b) issue a warrant to compel the presence of the accused.

2002, c. 13, s. 61.

– CCC (CanLII), (DOJ)

Note up: 650.01 (1), (2), (3), and (4)

Defined terms: "summons" (s. 2)

↑ R v Golyanik, 2003 CanLII 64228 (ONSC), 173 CCC 307 (SCJ), per Trafford J
R v C(JJ), 2003 ABPC 31 (CanLII), 12 AtlaLR 191, per Cook-Stanhope J
R v L(GY), 2009 CanLII 38516 (ONSC), 84 WCB 341 (SCJ), per McCombs J
↑ s. 650.01(3)(a)
↑ For indictable offences, the Court will only have jurisdiction over the accused where they are present in court for an appearance. Otherwise, the charge will be a nullity and voidable
↑ s. 650.01(2)
R v Butler, 2010 NSSC 284 (CanLII), 947 APR 11, per Coughlan J - rejected designation for no listed charges

Special Classes of Persons

The Crown is generally immune from prosecutions for executive conduct unless statute otherwise directs.^[1]

↑ see s. 17 of Interpretation Act

Youths

See also: Sentencing Young Offenders

Section 14 of the Youth Criminal Justice Act states this about jurisdiction:

Exclusive jurisdiction of youth justice court

14 (1) Despite any other Act of Parliament but subject to the Contraventions Act and the National Defence Act, a youth justice court has exclusive jurisdiction in respect of any offence alleged to have been committed by a person while he or she was a young person, and that person shall be dealt with as provided in this Act.
[omitted (2), (3), (4), (5), (6) and (7)]
2002, c. 1, s. 14; 2015, c. 20, ss. 32, 36, c. 29, s. 14; 2019, c. 13, s. 159.

– YCJA (CanLII), (DOJ)

Note up: 14 (1)

A court cannot have jurisdiction over any person under the age of 12.^[1] This date is set as of the date of the offence. ^[2] Offences that occur during the accused's 18th birthday will given jurisdiction to the Youth Court.^[3]

A justice of the peace may carry out proceedings under the Criminal Code except for pleas, trials and adjudication. (s. 20(1)) This includes determining bail, but is reviewable by a youth court judge.(s. 33(1))

A justice of the peace may place an accused on a consent peace bond. If the accused refuses, the matter can be dealt with by a youth court judge. (s.20(2))

The YCJA creates the Youth Justice Court and the Youth Justice Court Judge under s. 13.

Where an accused who is charged as a "young person" turns 18, the Youth Justice Court still maintains jurisdiction. (s. 14(4)) Likewise, a person who is over 18 at the time of arrest will be subject to the YCJA if the incident occurred while he was a "young person" (s. 14(5)).

Justices of the Peace may perform all the same functions as a Youth Justice Court Judge except for pleas, trials, and adjudication (s. 20(1)).

Section 13 of the Code states:

Child under twelve

13 No person shall be convicted of an offence in respect of an act or omission on his part while that person was under the age of twelve years.
R.S., c. C-34, s. 12; 1980-81-82-83, c. 110, s. 72.

– CCC (CanLII), (DOJ)

Note up: 13

Age at Time of Offence Uncertain

See also: Procedure for Young Accused

Status of offender uncertain

16 When a person is alleged to have committed an offence during a period that includes the date on which the person attains the age of eighteen years, the youth justice court has jurisdiction in respect of the offence and shall, after putting the person to their election under section 67 (adult sentence) if applicable, and on finding the person guilty of the offence,

(a) if it has been proven that the offence was committed before the person attained the age of eighteen years, impose a sentence under this Act;

(b) if it has been proven that the offence was committed after the person attained the age of eighteen years, impose any sentence that could be imposed under the Criminal Code or any other Act of Parliament on an adult who has been convicted of the same offence; and

(c) if it has not been proven that the offence was committed after the person attained the age of eighteen years, impose a sentence under this Act.

– YCJA (CanLII), (DOJ)

Note up: 16

↑ see s. 13 of the Criminal Code
↑ see s. 16 YCJA and R v McDonald, 1985 CanLII 162 (ON CA), 21 CCC (3d) 330, per Morden JA
↑ see s. 16

Proving Age

The Crown has the onus to prove that the age of the accused is within the jurisdiction of the YCJA beyond a reasonable doubt.^[1]

Children and Young Persons

Testimony as to date of birth

658 (1) In any proceedings to which this Act applies, the testimony of a person as to the date of his or her birth is admissible as evidence of that date.

Testimony of a parent

(2) In any proceedings to which this Act applies, the testimony of a parent as to the age of a person of whom he or she is a parent is admissible as evidence of the age of that person.

Proof of age

(3) In any proceedings to which this Act applies,

(a) a birth or baptismal certificate or a copy of such a certificate purporting to be certified under the hand of the person in whose custody the certificate is held is evidence of the age of that person; and

(b) an entry or record of an incorporated society or its officers who have had the control or care of a child or young person at or about the time the child or young person was brought to Canada is evidence of the age of the child or young person if the entry or record was made before the time when the offence is alleged to have been committed.

Other evidence

(4) In the absence of any certificate, copy, entry or record mentioned in subsection (3) [proof of age – valid docs], or in corroboration of any such certificate, copy, entry or record, a jury, judge, justice or provincial court judge, as the case may be, may receive and act on any other information relating to age that they consider reliable.

Inference from appearance

(5) In the absence of other evidence, or by way of corroboration of other evidence, a jury, judge, justice or provincial court judge, as the case may be, may infer the age of a child or young person from his or her appearance.
R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 658; 1994, c. 44, s. 64.
[annotation(s) added]

– CCC (CanLII), (DOJ)

Note up: 658 (1), (2), (3), (4), and (5)

The age of the accused can be permitted by way of hearsay.^[2]

Testimony of a parent

148 (1) In any proceedings under this Act, the testimony of a parent as to the age of a person of whom he or she is a parent is admissible as evidence of the age of that person.

Evidence of age by certificate or record

(2) In any proceedings under this Act,

(a) a birth or baptismal certificate or a copy of it purporting to be certified under the hand of the person in whose custody those records are held is evidence of the age of the person named in the certificate or copy; and

(b) an entry or record of an incorporated society that has had the control or care of the person alleged to have committed the offence in respect of which the proceedings are taken at or about the time the person came to Canada is evidence of the age of that person, if the entry or record was made before the time when the offence is alleged to have been committed.

Other evidence

(3) In the absence of any certificate, copy, entry or record mentioned in subsection (2), or in corroboration of that certificate, copy, entry or record, the youth justice court may receive and act on any other information relating to age that it considers reliable.

When age may be inferred

(4) In any proceedings under this Act, the youth justice court may draw inferences as to the age of a person from the person’s appearance or from statements made by the person in direct examination or cross-examination.

– YCJA (CanLII), (DOJ)

Note up: 148 (1), (2), (3), and (4)

↑ See R v K(PA), 1992 CanLII 7313 (NL SC), , 1992 CarswellNfld 125 (Nfld.S.C.), per Green J, at paras 37 to 38
↑ See s. 658
R v C(I), 2010 ONSC 330 (CanLII), 251 CCC (3d) 272, per Dambrot J
R v Male, 2013 MBPC 12 (CanLII), 289 Man R (2d) 146, per Heinrichs J

Persons Outside of Country

An offence by a foreign national while outside of the country will not create jurisdiction over the person to prosecute an offence. However, should the person enter into the territorial jurisdiction of the courts, jurisdiction over the person will exist.^[1]

Where jurisdiction over the person does not exist. A stay may be entered on the charge until such time as the Crown applies to withdraw the stay.^[2]

Breach of Canadian Court Orders

An order that prohibits the possession of a firearm, including probation, recognizance or 109/110 Order, can still apply whether or not the person is within Canada. ^[3]

Contact prohibitions will apply to accused’s who attempt to contact the person who is located outside the country.^[4]

↑ e.g. R v Chowdhury, 2014 ONSC 2635 (CanLII), per Nordheimer J, at paras 54 to 57
↑ e.g. Chowdhury
↑ R v Rattray, 2008 ONCA 74 (CanLII), 229 CCC (3d) 496, per MacFarland JA - accused bought rifle while in Michigan, no evidence of possession within Canada
see also R v Greco, 2001 CanLII 8608 (ON CA), 159 CCC (3d) 146, per Moldaver JA
↑ e.g. R v Stanny, 2008 ABQB 746 (CanLII), 461 AR 46, per Bielby J - accused on condition not to contact bank branches. He wrote to branch in England and was convicted of breach

Loss of Jurisdiction Over Person Due to Irregularities

General Powers of Certain Officials

Procedural irregularities

485 (1) Jurisdiction over an offence is not lost by reason of the failure of any court, judge, provincial court judge or justice to act in the exercise of that jurisdiction at any particular time, or by reason of a failure to comply with any of the provisions of this Act respecting adjournments or remands.

When accused not present

(1.1) Jurisdiction over an accused is not lost by reason of the failure of the accused to appear personally, so long as subsection 515(2.2) [appearance of accused in person unless otherwise permitted], paragraph 537(1)(j) [prisoner appear by video on consent], (j.1) [power to permit accused to be absent during inquiry] or (k) [power to appear by video when evidence not taken], subsection 650(1.1) [video link attendance at trial — not taking evidence] or (1.2) [video link attendance at trial — when taking evidence], paragraph 650(2)(b) [video-link appearance of accused] or 650.01(3)(a) [appearance by designation of counsel], subsection 683(2.1) [appear by telepresence] or 688(2.1) [right to attend appeal] or a rule of court made under section 482 [powers of the superior and appellate court to make rules] or 482.1 [powers of the superior and appellate court to make case management rules] applies.

Summons or warrant

(2) Where jurisdiction over an accused or a defendant is lost and has not been regained, a court, judge, provincial court judge or justice may, within three months after the loss of jurisdiction, issue a summons, or if it or he considers it necessary in the public interest, a warrant for the arrest of the accused or defendant.

Dismissal for want of prosecution

(3) Where no summons or warrant is issued under subsection (2) [procedural irregularities in summons or warrant] within the period provided therein, the proceedings shall be deemed to be dismissed for want of prosecution and shall not be recommenced except in accordance with section 485.1 [recommencing dismissed charges].

Adjournment and order

(4) Where, in the opinion of the court, judge, provincial court judge or justice, an accused or a defendant who appears at a proceeding has been misled or prejudiced by reason of any matter referred to in subsection (1) [procedural irregularities], the court, judge, provincial court judge or justice may adjourn the proceeding and may make such order as it or he considers appropriate.

Part XVI to apply

(5) The provisions of Part XVI [Pt. XVI – Compelling Appearance of an Accused Before a Justice and Interim Release (ss. 493 to 529.5)] apply with such modifications as the circumstances require where a summons or warrant is issued under subsection (2) [procedural irregularities in summons or warrant].
R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 485; R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 67; 1992, c. 1, s. 60(F); 1997, c. 18, s. 40; 2002, c. 13, s. 19.
[annotation(s) added]

– CCC (CanLII), (DOJ)

Note up: 485 (1), (1.1), (2), (3), (4), and (5)

Jurisdiction Over Subject Matter

Section 553 is procedural in nature and does not usurp the jurisdiction of superior court on matters that have properly been brought before it.^[1]

In Canada Outside of Province

Offence not in a province

481 Where an offence is committed in a part of Canada not in a province, proceedings in respect thereof may be commenced and the accused may be charged, tried and punished within any territorial division in any province in the same manner as if that offence had been committed in that territorial division.
R.S., c. C-34, s. 437.

– CCC (CanLII), (DOJ)

Note up: 481

↑ R v Manitopyes, 2012 SKQB 141 (CanLII), 395 Sask R 191, per Chicoine J, at para 69

Real and Substantial Link

An offence is triable in the Canadian courts so long as a "significant portion of the activities constituting the offence took place in Canada" is sufficient that there is a real and substantial connection.^[1]

A real and substantial connection is not "limited to the essential elements of the offence."^[2]

Where an offence occurs, in whole or in part, outside of the territorial jurisdiction of the court, the principle of comity still permits courts to take jurisdiction over the subject where there is a real and substantial connection between the territory and the offence.^[3]

A jurisdiction has a "has a legitimate interest in prosecuting persons for activities that take place abroad but have an unlawful consequence here."^[4]

The court should look at acts that are "an integral part of the scheme."^[5]

It is necessary that a "significant portion of the activities constituting [the] offence" took place within the jurisdiction.^[6]

An order issued from a province is enough connection where the breach occurred entirely out of the province.^[7]

↑ R v Libman, 1985 CanLII 51 (SCC), 21 CCC (3d) 206, 21 DLR (4th) 174, [1985] 2 SCR 178, per La Forest J
see also R v Rowbotham, 1988 CanLII 147 (ON CA), 41 CCC (3d), per curiam
↑ R v Karigar, 2017 ONCA 576 (CanLII), per Feldman JA, at paras 21 and 30
↑ R v Chowdhury, 2014 ONSC 2635 (CanLII), per Nordheimer J, at para 26
↑ Libman, supra, at para 67 ("This country has a legitimate interest in prosecuting persons for activities that take place abroad but have an unlawful consequence here")
↑ Libman, supra
↑ Libman, supra
↑ R v Greco, 2001 CanLII 8608 (ON CA), 159 CCC (3d) 146, per Moldaver JA
cf. R v B(O), 1997 CanLII 949 (ON CA), 116 CCC (3d) 189, per Abella JA - sex assault occurring entirely outside the jurisdiction

Offences Between Jurisdictions

Special jurisdictions

476 For the purposes of this Act,

[omitted (a)]

(b) where an offence is committed on the boundary of two or more territorial divisions or within five hundred metres of any such boundary, or the offence was commenced within one territorial division and completed within another, the offence shall be deemed to have been committed in any of the territorial divisions;

(c) where an offence is committed in or on a vehicle employed in a journey, or on board a vessel employed on a navigable river, canal or inland water, the offence shall be deemed to have been committed in any territorial division through which the vehicle or vessel passed in the course of the journey or voyage on which the offence was committed, and where the center or other part of the road, or navigable river, canal or inland water on which the vehicle or vessel passed in the course of the journey or voyage is the boundary of two or more territorial divisions, the offence shall be deemed to have been committed in any of the territorial divisions;

[omitted (d)]

(e) where an offence is committed in respect of the mail in the course of its door-to-door delivery, the offence shall be deemed to have been committed in any territorial division through which the mail was carried on that delivery.

R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 476; R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 186; 1992, c. 1, s. 58.

– CCC (CanLII), (DOJ)

Note up: 476

Section 2 defines "territorial division" as including "any province, county, union of counties, township, city, town, parish or other judicial division or place to which the context applies."^[1] This has been interpreted as encompassing the whole territory of a province.^[2]

Between Territorial Divisions Within the Province

Where the offence has occurred outside regular territorial divisions, such as in an "unorganized tract of country", lake or river, then any territorial judicial district may have jurisdiction over the matter:

Offence in unorganized territory

480 (1) Where an offence is committed in an unorganized tract of country in any province or on a lake, river or other water therein, not included in a territorial division or in a provisional judicial district, proceedings in respect thereof may be commenced and an accused may be charged, tried and punished in respect thereof within any territorial division or provisional judicial district of the province in the same manner as if the offence had been committed within that territorial division or provisional judicial district.

New territorial division

(2) Where a provisional judicial district or a new territorial division is constituted in an unorganized tract referred to in subsection (1) [offence in unorganized territory], the jurisdiction conferred by that subsection continues until appropriate provision is made by law for the administration of criminal justice within the provisional judicial district or new territorial division.
R.S., c. C-34, s. 436.
[annotation(s) added]

– CCC (CanLII), (DOJ)

Note up: 480 (1) and (2)

Between Provinces

Where an ongoing offence begins in one province and ends in another province, s. 476(b) convey jurisdiction over both jurisdictions to try the case.^[3]

An inter-provincial offence can be captured by s. 476(b) where "any element of the offence has occurred in the province claiming jurisdiction."^[4] However, before a court can consider assuming jurisdiction over an inter-provincial offence, the charge must specifically include the local jurisdiction in the wording. Failure to do so will render the court without jurisdiction.^[5]

Between International Boundaries

Courts will take jurisdiction over the subject matter of activities of persons outside of the country on the basis of qualified territoriality.^[6]

Where the offence constituent elements include phone, email or other types of electronic communication over borders, typically concurrent jurisdiction will exist between the two ends.^[7]

↑ See Code
↑ R v Ellis, 2009 ONCA 483 (CanLII), 244 CCC (3d) 438, per Gillese JA (3:0)
↑ Bigelow, supra appeal to SCC refused -- offence of child abduction from Ontario to Alberta
R v DAL, 1996 CanLII 8371 (BC CA), 107 CCC (3d) 178, per McEachern CJ - sexual assault between accused and victim occurring in three different provinces
↑ R v Webber, 2021 NSCA 35 (CanLII), per Farrar JA, at para 69
R v Bigelow, 1982 CanLII 2046 (ON CA), 69 CCC (2d) 204, per curiam ("These complex problems do not arise in Canada where courts have used s. 432(b) to establish a broad basis for jurisdiction over inter-provincial offences. The test in reality has become whether any element of the offence has occurred in the province claiming jurisdiction.")
↑ Webber, supra at paras 59 to 86
↑ see above re "Territoriality"
↑ e.g. R v Frank, 2013 ABPC 21 (CanLII), per Gaschler J - harassing emails
R v McKenzie Securities Ltd., 1966 CanLII 485 (MB CA), [1966], 4 CCC 29, per Freedman JA, at para 53

Offences Occurring on Water

Special Jurisdiction for Offences Over Water

Offences Occurring in Air or Space

Special Jurisdiction for Offences Committed on Aircrafts or Spacecrafts

Remedies

Charter Remedies