Public Incitement of Hatred (Offence)
| Public Incitement of Hatred | |
|---|---|
| s. 319 of the Crim. Code | |
| Election / Plea | |
| Crown Election | Hybrid summary proceedings must initiate within 12 months of the offence (786(2)) |
| Jurisdiction | Prov. Court Sup. Court w/ Jury (*) |
| Summary Dispositions | |
| Avail. Disp. | Discharge (730) Suspended Sentence (731(1)(a)) |
| Minimum | None |
| Maximum | 2 years less a day jail and/or a $5,000 fine (from Sept 19, 2019) |
| Indictable Dispositions | |
| Avail. Disp. | same as summary |
| Minimum | None |
| Maximum | 2, 5 years incarceration |
| Reference | |
| Offence Elements Sentence Digests | |
Overview
Offences relating to public incitement of hatred are found in Part VIII of the Criminal Code concerning "Offences Against the Person and Reputation".
- Pleadings
| Offence Section |
Offence Type |
Crown Election | Defence Election s. 536(2) |
Preliminary Inquiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| s. 318 [advocating genocide] | Indictable Offence(s) | N/A |  |
 (under 14 years max)
|
| s. 319(1) [public incitement of hatred] and s. 319(2) [wilful promotion of hatred] |
Hybrid Offence(s) | |
(* only if Crown proceeds by Indictment) |
(under 14 years max)
|
Offences under s. 318 [advocating genocide] are straight indictable. There is a Defence election of Court under s. 536(2) to trial in provincial court, superior court with a judge-alone or superior court with judge-and-jury.
Offences under s. 319(1) [public incitement of hatred] and (2) [wilful promotion of hatred] are hybrid with a Crown election. If prosecuted by indictment, there is a Defence election of Court under s. 536(2) to trial by provincial court, superior court judge-alone or superior court judge-and-jury.
- Release
| Offence(s) | Appearance Notice by Peace Officer s. 497 |
Summons by Judge or Justice s. 508(1), 512(1), or 788 |
Release by Peace Officer on Undertaking s. 498, 499, and 501 |
Release By a Judge or Justice on a Release Order s. 515 to 519 |
Direct to Attend for Fingerprints, etc. Identification of Criminals Act s. 2 ID Crim. Act |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| s. 318 [advocating genocide] s. 319 [public incitement of hatred and wilful promotion of hatred] |
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When charged under s. 318 [advocating genocide], 319(1) [public incitement of hatred] and (2) [wilful promotion of hatred] , the accused can be given an appearance notice without arrest under s. 497 or a summons. If arrested, he can be released by the arresting officer under s. 498 or 499 on an undertaking with or without conditions. He can also be released by a justice under s. 515.
- Reverse Onus Bail
If police decide to bring the accused before a Justice pursuant to s. 503, there will be a presumption against bail (i.e. a reverse onus) if the offence, prosecuted by indictment, was committed:
- while at large under s. 515 [bail release], 679 or 680 [release pending appeal or review of appeal] (s. 515(6)(a)(i));
- "for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association" with a criminal organization (s. 515(6)(a)(ii));
- where the offence involved a weapon, being a firearm, cross-bow, prohibited weapon restricted weapon, prohibited device, ammunition, prohibited ammunition or explosive substance, while the accused was subject to a prohibition order preventing possession of these items (s. 515(6)(a)(viii)); or
- where the accused is not "ordinarily a resident in Canada" (s. 515(6)(b)).
And, regardless of Crown election, if the offence alleged was one:
- where the offence was an allegation of violence against an "intimate partner" and the accused had been previously convicted of an offence of violence against an "intimate partner" (s. 515(6)(b.1));
- where the offence alleged is a breach under s. 145(2) to (5) while (s. 515(6)(c));
- where the offence committed (or conspired to commit) was an offence under s. 5 to 7 of the CDSA that is punishable by life imprisonment (s. 515(6)(d));
- Fingerprints and Photos
A peace officer who charges a person under s. 318 and 319 of the Code can require that person to attend for the taking of fingerprints, photographs or other similar recordings that are used to identify them under the Identification of Criminals Act.
- Publication Bans
For all criminal or regulatory prosecutions, there is a discretionary general publication ban available on application of the Crown, victim or witness to prohibit the publishing of "any information that could identify the victim or witness" under s. 486.5(1) where it is "necessary" for the "proper administration of justice". Other available publication bans include prohibitions for publishing evidence or other information arising from a bail hearing (s. 517), preliminary inquiry (s. 539) or jury trial (s. 648). There is a mandatory publication ban in all youth prosecutions on information tending to identify young accused under s. 110 of the YCJA or young victims under s. 111 of the YCJA.
- Offence Designations
| Offence(s) | Wiretap Eligible s. 183 |
Dangerous Offender Designated Offence s. 752 |
Serious Personal Injury Offence s. 752 |
AG Consent Required | Serious Criminality Offence s. 36 IRPA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| s. 318 [advocating genocide] | |
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(under 10 years max) |
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| s. 319(1) [public incitement of hatred] and s. 319(2) [wilful promotion of hatred] |
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(under 10 years max) |
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Offences under s. 318 [advocating genocide] and 319(1) and (2) require the consent of the Attorney General to prosecute.
See below in Ancillary Sentencing Orders for details on designations relating to sentencing orders.
Offence Wording
- Advocating genocide
318 (1) Every person who advocates or promotes genocide is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than five years.
[omitted (2)]
- Consent
(3) No proceeding for an offence under this section shall be instituted without the consent of the Attorney General.
[omitted (4)]
R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 318; 2004, c. 14, s. 1; 2014, c. 31, s. 12; 2017, c. 13, s. 3; 2019, c. 25, s. 120.
- Public incitement of hatred
319 (1) Every one who, by communicating statements in any public place, incites hatred against any identifiable group where such incitement is likely to lead to a breach of the peace is guilty of
- (a) an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years; or
- (b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.
- Wilful promotion of hatred
(2) Every one who, by communicating statements, other than in private conversation, wilfully promotes hatred against any identifiable group is guilty of
- (a) an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years; or
- (b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.
[omitted (3), (4) and (5)]
- Consent
(6) No proceeding for an offence under subsection (2) [wilful promotion of hatred[1]] shall be instituted without the consent of the Attorney General.
[omitted (7)]
R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 319; R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 203; 2004, c. 14, s. 2.
[annotation(s) added]
Draft Form of Charges
| Pre-ambles | ||
|---|---|---|
| "THAT [accused full name] stands charged that, between the <DATE> day of <MONTH>, <YEAR> and <DATE> day of <MONTH>, <YEAR>***, at or near <COMMUNITY/TOWN/CITY>, <PROVINCE>, he [or she]..." OR | ||
| "THAT [accused full name] stands charged that, on or about the <DATE> day of <MONTH>, <YEAR>, at or near <COMMUNITY/TOWN/CITY>, <PROVINCE>, he [or she]..." OR | ||
| "AND FURTHER at the same time and place aforesaid, he [or she]..." | ||
| Code Section | Subject of Offence | Draft Wording |
| 318 | "..., contrary to section 318 of the Criminal Code. | |
| 319 | "..., contrary to section 319 of the Criminal Code. |
Proof of the Offence
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Proving advocating genocide under s. 318 should include:
Proving Public incitement of hatred under s. 319(1) should include:
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Proving Public incitement of hatred under s. 319(2) should include:
|
Draft Form of Charges
Interpretation of the Offence
Promotion of Hatred
Wilful promotion of hatred requires the Crown to prove "beyond a reasonable doubt that the [accused] made some or all of the statements alleged in the information and whether the statements made, as a matter of fact, promoted hatred of the [identifiable group]".[2]
- Totality of Circumstances
The judge must consider the "totality of the evidence".[3]
This may include factors such as:[4]
- terminology and history of the ethnic group
- Location where the rally was held
- actions and speech of the rally members
- the contexts fo the speech or words spoken
- symbols and banners
- the "ethnic flavour" of the event
- Mens Rea
The minimum mens rea required is wilful blindness and not mere reckelssness.[5]
This should require:[6]
- a subjective realization
- of the likely result of his actions
- deliberately avoid actual knowledge while engaging in or pursuing the activity.
- ↑ Found elsewhere in this same page.
- ↑ R v Krymowski, 2005 SCC 7 (CanLII), [2005] 1 SCR 101, per Charron J
- ↑
Krymowski, ibid., at para 19
R v Ahenakew, 2008 SKCA 4 (CanLII), 227 CCC (3d) 428, per Richards JA (3:0), at para 21 (" in considering a charge under s. 319(2), a trial judge must consider not only the words used by the accused, but the circumstances and context in which they were spoken.") - ↑ Krymowski, ibid., at para 19
- ↑ R v Harding, 2001 CanLII 21272 (ON CA), 160 CCC (3d) 225, per Weiler JA (3:0)
- ↑ Harding, ibid., at para 63
Advocating Genocide
The offence under s. 319 only concerns the "most intense forms of dislike".[1]
- Causation
The section does not require proof that the communication caused actual hatred or violence.[2]
- Wilful Promotion
It is necessary for the Crown to prove that:[3]
- the accused's "conscious purpose .. was to promote hatred against [the identifiable group]", or
- "they foresaw that the promotion of hatred against that group was certain or morally certain to result from the [prohibited act]" despite doing the act "as a means of achieving" an ancillary purpose
- Constitutionality
Section 319(2) was found to violate the freedom of expression under .s 2(b) but was upheld under s. 1.[4]
The reverse onus found in s. 319(3)(a) violates the presumption of innocence under s.11(d) of the Charter but was upheld as a reasonable limitation.[5]
- ↑ Mugesera v Canada (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration), 2005 SCC 40 (CanLII), [2005] 2 SCR 100, per McLachlin C.J. and Major, Bastarache, Binnie, LeBel, Deschamps, Fish and Charron JJ
- ↑ Mugesera, ibid.
- ↑ R v Buzzanga and Durocher, 1979 CanLII 1927 (ON CA), 49 CCC (2d) 369, per Martin JA
- ↑ R v Keegstra, 1990 CanLII 24 (SCC), [1990] 3 SCR 697, per Dickson CJ
- ↑ R v Keegstra, 1996 CanLII 221 (SCC), [1996] 1 SCR 458, per Iacobucci J
Definitions
318
[omitted (1)]
- Definition of “genocide”
(2) In this section, "genocide" means any of the following acts committed with intent to destroy in whole or in part any identifiable group, namely,
- (a) killing members of the group; or
- (b) deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction.
[omitted (3)]
- Definition of “identifiable group”
(4) In this section, "identifiable group" means any section of the public distinguished by colour, race, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or mental or physical disability.
R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 318; 2004, c. 14, s. 1; 2014, c. 31, s. 12; 2017, c. 13, s. 3; 2019, c. 25, s. 120.
319
[omitted (1), (2), (3), (4), (5) and (6)]
- Definitions
(7) In this section,
...
"communicating" includes communicating by telephone, broadcasting or other audible or visible means;
...
"identifiable group" has the same meaning as in section 318 [advocating genocide[1]];
...
"public place" includes any place to which the public have access as of right or by invitation, express or implied;
...
"statements" includes words spoken or written or recorded electronically or electro-magnetically or otherwise, and gestures, signs or other visible representations.
R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 319; R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 203; 2004, c. 14, s. 2.
[annotation(s) added]
Promotion of Hatred
The promotion of hatred is a question of fact determined by the judge.[2]
"The word ‘promotes’ indicates active support or instigation" as well as "foment or stir up". It "indicates more than simple encouragement or advancement."[3]
To promote hatred, more than "mere encouragement" is required.[4]
It is not necessary to prove that the communication actually caused hatred.[5]
To determine whether the communication promotes hatred the court must "consider the [communication] objectively but with regard for the circumstances in which the [communication] was given, the manner and tone used, and the persons to whom the message was addressed."[6] The standard is different from the "reasonable observer" standard as it takes into account the nature of the audience itself.[7]
- ↑ Found elsewhere in this same page.
- ↑ R v Krymowski, 2005 SCC 7 (CanLII), [2005] 1 SCR 101, per Charron J, at para 18
- ↑ R v Keegstra, 1990 CanLII 24 (SCC), [1990] 3 SCR 697, per Dickson CJ, at pp. 776-777
- ↑ Mugesera v Canada (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration), 2005 SCC 40 (CanLII), [2005] 2 SCR 100, per McLachlin C.J. and Major, Bastarache, Binnie, LeBel, Deschamps, Fish and Charron JJ at 100-7
- ↑ Mugesera, ibid., at paras 100 to 107
- ↑ Mugesera, ibid., at para 106
- ↑ Mugesera, ibid., at para 109
Private Conversation
The offence under s. 319(2) excludes any communication that is in "private conversation".
This suggests that an "expression of hatred in a place accessible to the public is not sufficient".[1] There needs to be a subjective mens rea, and as a result a "conversation or communication intended to be private does not satisfy the requirements of the provision if through accident or negligence an individual's expression of hatred for an identifiable group is made public."[2]
- ↑ R v Keegstra, 1990 CanLII 24 (SCC), [1990] 3 SCR 697, per Dickson CJ at 772
- ↑ Keestra, ibid. at 773 (cited to SCR)
Mens Rea
The mens rea of the offence requires "either an intent to promote hatred or knowledge of the substantial certainty of such".[1]
"Wilful" can include wilful blindness.[2] It most be more than mere recklessness.[3]
- ↑ '
Template:CAnLIIRP, per Dickson CJ at 785
Mugesera v Canada (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration), 2005 SCC 40 (CanLII), [2005] 2 SCR 100, per McLachlin C.J. and Major, Bastarache, Binnie, LeBel, Deschamps, Fish and Charron JJ, at para 104 - ↑ R v Harding, 2001 CanLII 28036 (ON SC), 40 CR (5th) 119, per Dambrot J and upheld at 2001 CanLII 21272 (ON CA), per Weiler JA
- ↑ Harding, ibid.
Defences
The statutory defences are set out in s.319 (b), which states:
s. 319
[omitted (1) and (2)]
- Defences
(3) No person shall be convicted of an offence under subsection (2) [wilful promotion of hatred[1]]
- (a) if he establishes that the statements communicated were true;
- (b) if, in good faith, the person expressed or attempted to establish by an argument an opinion on a religious subject or an opinion based on a belief in a religious text;
- (c) if the statements were relevant to any subject of public interest, the discussion of which was for the public benefit, and if on reasonable grounds he believed them to be true; or
- (d) if, in good faith, he intended to point out, for the purpose of removal, matters producing or tending to produce feelings of hatred toward an identifiable group in Canada.
[omitted (4), (5), (6) and (7)]
R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 319; R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 203; 2004, c. 14, s. 2.
[annotation(s) added]
Participation of Third Parties
- Testimonial Aids
Certain persons who testify are entitled to make application for the use of testimonial aids: Exclusion of Public (s. 486), Use of a Testimonial Screen (s. 486), Access to Support Person While Testifying (s. 486.1), Close Proximity Video-link Testimony (s. 486.2), Self-Represented Cross-Examination Prohibition Order (s. 486.3), and Witness Security Order (s. 486.7).
A witness, victim or complainant may also request publication bans (s. 486.4, 486.5) and/or a Witness Identity Non-disclosure Order (s. 486.31). See also, Publication Bans, above.
- On Finding of Guilt
| Offence(s) | Victim Notice of Agreement s. 606(4.1) [SPIO] |
Victim Queried for Interest in Agreement s. 606(4.2) [5+ years] |
Victim Notice for Restitution s. 737.1 |
Victim Notice of Impact Statement s. 722(2) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| s. 318 [advocating genocide] | ||||
| s. 319 [public incitement of hatred and wilful promotion of hatred] |
Under s. 738, a judge must inquire from the Crown before sentencing whether "reasonable steps have been taken to provide the victims with an opportunity to indicate whether they are seeking restitution for their losses and damages".
Under s. 722(2), the judge must inquire "[a]s soon as feasible" before sentencing with the Crown "if reasonable steps have been taken to provide the victim with an opportunity to prepare" a victim impact statement. This will include any person "who has suffered, or is alleged to have suffered, physical or emotional harm, property damage or economic loss" as a result of the offence. Individuals representing a community impacted by the crime may file a statement under s. 722.2.
Sentencing Principles and Ranges
- Maximum Penalties
| Offence(s) | Crown Election |
Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| s. 318 [advocating genocide] | N/A | 5 years incarceration |
| s. 319 [public incitement of hatred and wilful promotion of hatred] | summary election | 2 years less a day jail and/or a $5,000 fine (from Sept 19, 2019) |
| s. 319 [public incitement of hatred and wilful promotion of hatred] | Indictment Election | 2 years incarceration |
Offences under s. 318 [advocating genocide] are straight indictable. The maximum penalty is 5 years incarceration.
Offences under s. 319 [public incitement of hatred and wilful promotion of hatred] are hybrid. If prosecuted by indictment, the maximum penalty is 2 years incarceration. If prosecuted by summary conviction, the maximum penalty is 2 years less a day jail and/or a $5,000 fine (from Sept 19, 2019).
- Minimum Penalties
These offences have no mandatory minimum penalties.
- Available Dispositions
| Offence(s) | Crown Election |
Discharge s. 730 |
Suspended Sentence s. 731(1)(a) |
Stand-alone Fine s. 731(1)(b) |
Custody s. 718.3, 787 |
Custody and Probation s. 731(1)(b) |
Custody and Fine s. 734 |
Conditional Sentence (CSO) s. 742.1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| s. 318 [advocating genocide] | N/A | |
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| s. 319 [public incitement of hatred and wilful promotion of hatred] | any | |
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All dispositions are available.The judge may order a discharge (s. 730), suspended sentence (s. 731(1)(a)), fine (s. 731(1)(b)), custody (s. 718.3, 787), custody with probation (s. 731(1)(b)), custody with a fine (s. 734), or a conditional sentence (s. 742.1).
- Consecutive Sentences
There are no statutory requirements that the sentences be consecutive.
Principles
Ranges
Ancillary Sentencing Orders
Sentencing Profile
- Offence-specific Orders
| Order | Conviction | Description |
|---|---|---|
| DNA Orders | s. 318 |
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- General Sentencing Orders
| Order | Conviction | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Non-communication order while offender in custody (s. 743.21) | any | The judge has the discretion to order that the offender be prohibited "from communicating...with any victim, witness or other person" while in custody except where the judge "considers [it] necessary" to communicate with them. |
| Restitution Orders (s. 738) | any | A discretionary Order is available for things such as the replacement value of the property; the pecuniary damages incurred from harm, expenses fleeing a domestic partner; or certain expenses arising from the commission of an offence under s.402.2 or 403. |
| Victim Fine Surcharge (s. 737) | any | A discretionary surcharge under s. 737 of 30% of any fine order imposed, $100 per summary conviction or $200 per indictable conviction. If the offence occurs on or after October 23, 2013, the order has smaller minimum amounts (15%, $50, or $100). |
- General Forfeiture Orders
| Forfeiture | Conviction | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime (s. 462.37(1) or (2.01)) | any | Where there is a finding of guilt for an indictable offence under the Code or the CDSA in which property is "proceeds of crime" and offence was "committed in relation to that property", the property shall be forfeited to His Majesty the King on application of the Crown. NB: does not apply to summary offences. |
| Fine in Lieu of Forfeiture (s. 462.37(3)) | any | Where a Court is satisfied an order for the forfeiture of proceeds of crime under s. 462.37(1) or (2.01) can be made, but that property cannot be "made subject to an order", then the Court "may" order a fine in "an amount equal to the value of the property". Failure to pay the fine will result in a default judgement imposing a period of incarceration. |
| Forfeiture of Weapons or Firearms (s. 491) | any | Where there is finding of guilt for an offence where a "weapon, an imitation firearm, a prohibited device, any ammunition, any prohibited ammunition or an explosive substance was used in the commission of [the] offence and that thing has been seized and detained", or "that a person has committed an offence that involves, or the subject-matter of which is, a firearm, a cross-bow, a prohibited weapon, a restricted weapon, a prohibited device, ammunition, prohibited ammunition or an explosive substance has been seized and detained, that the item be an enumerated weapon or related item be connected to the offence", then there will be a mandatory forfeiture order. However, under s. 491(2), if the lawful owner "was not a party to the offence" and the judge has "no reasonable grounds to believe that the thing would or might be used in the commission of an offence", then it should be returned to the lawful owner. |
| Forfeiture of Offence-related Property (s. 490.1) | any | Where there is a finding of guilt for an indictable offence, "any property is offence-related property" where (a) by means or in respect of which an indictable offence under this Act or the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act is committed, (b) that is used in any manner in connection with the commission of such an offence, or (c) that is intended to be used for committing such an offence". Such property is to be forfeited to Her Majesty in right of the province. NB: does not apply to summary offences. |
Forfeiture Orders
Section 319 provides its own manner of forfeiture:
319
[omitted (1), (2) and (3)]
- Forfeiture
(4) Where a person is convicted of an offence under section 318 or subsection (1) or (2) of this section, anything by means of or in relation to which the offence was committed, on such conviction, may, in addition to any other punishment imposed, be ordered by the presiding provincial court judge or judge to be forfeited to Her Majesty in right of the province in which that person is convicted, for disposal as the Attorney General may direct.
- Exemption from seizure of communication facilities
(5) Subsections 199(6) [telephones exempt from seizure] and (7) [exception to telephone seizure exemption] apply with such modifications as the circumstances require to section 318 or subsection (1) or (2) of this section.
[omitted (6) and (7)]
R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 319; R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 203; 2004, c. 14, s. 2.
[annotation(s) added]
Record Suspensions and Pardons
Convictions under s. 318 and 319 are eligible for record suspensions pursuant to s. 3 and 4 of the Criminal Records Act after 5 years after the expiration of sentence for summary conviction offences and 10 years after the expiration of sentence for all other offences. The offender may not have the record suspended where the offender was (1) convicted of 3 or more offences with a maximum penalty of life, and (2) for each 3 offences he "was sentenced to imprisonment for two years or more".
History
See Also
- Related Offences
- Publishing False News (s. 181)
- Defamation and Libel (s. 297 to 317)
- References
- ↑ Found elsewhere in this same page.