Use or Possession of Explosives (Offence)
This page was last substantively updated or reviewed January 2020. (Rev. # 86022) |
Use or Possession of Explosives | |
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s. 80, 81, 82 of the Crim. Code | |
Election / Plea | |
Crown Election | Indictment |
Jurisdiction | Prov. Court Sup. Court w/ Jury (*) |
Indictable Dispositions | |
Avail. Disp. | Suspended Sentence (731(1)(a)) |
Minimum | None |
Maximum | 5, 14 or life incarceration |
Reference | |
Offence Elements Sentence Digests |
Overview
Offences relating to use or possession of explosives are found in Part II of the Criminal Code relating to "Offences Against Public Order".
- Pleadings
Offence Section |
Offence Type |
Crown Election | Defence Election s. 536(2) |
Preliminary Inquiry |
---|---|---|---|---|
s. 80(a) [breach of duty, risk of death] s. 81(1)(a) [using explosives, risk death], and s. 81(1)(b) [using explosives, risk harm] |
Indictable Offence(s) | (life max) | ||
s. 80(b) [breach of duty, risk of bodily harm], s. 81(1)(c) [using explosives, risk death], s. 81(2)(d) [using explosives, risk harm] and, s. 82(2) [possession without lawful excuse, crim. org.] |
Indictable Offence(s) | (14 years max) | ||
s. 82(1) [possession without lawful excuse] | Indictable Offence(s) | (under 14 years max) |
Offences under s. 80(a), 80(b), 81(2)(a), 81(2)(b), 82(1), 82(2) are straight indictable. There is a Defence election of Court under s. 536(2).
Before the Crown can rely on provisions increasing the duration of the weapons prohibition order due to a prior weapons prohibition order notice under s. 727 must be given prior to plea.
- 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 |
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s. 80(a), 80(b), 81(2)(a), 81(2)(b), and 82(2) | |||||
s. 82(1) |
When charged under s. 80(a), 80(b), 81(2)(a), 81(2)(b), 82(2), the accused can be given a judicial summons without arrest. 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. When charged under s. 82(1), 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.
- 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 |
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s. 80 | |||||
s. 81 | |||||
s. 82(1) | (under 14 years max) | ||||
s. 82(2) | (under 14 years max) |
Offences under s. 80, 81, and 82 are designated offences eligible for wiretap under s. 183.
Offences under s. 81(2)(a) and (b) are "designated" offences under s. 752 for dangerous offender applications.
Offences under s. 80, 81, and 82 are designated "serious personal injury" offences under s. 752(a) only if it has a maximum penalty of 10 years incarceration or more and involves "use or attempted use of violence against another person" or "conduct endangering or likely to endanger the life or safety of another person or inflicting or likely to inflict severe psychological damage on another person".
See below in Ancillary Sentencing Orders for details on designations relating to sentencing orders.
Offence Wording
- Breach of duty
80. Every one who, being under a legal duty within the meaning of section 79 [duty of care re explosives], fails without lawful excuse to perform that duty, is guilty of an indictable offence and, if as a result an explosion of an explosive substance occurs that
- (a) causes death or is likely to cause death to any person, is liable to imprisonment for life; or
- (b) causes bodily harm or damage to property or is likely to cause bodily harm or damage to property, is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years.
R.S., c. C-34, s. 78.
[annotation(s) added]
- Using explosives
81 (1) Every one commits an offence who
- (a) does anything with intent to cause an explosion of an explosive substance that is likely to cause serious bodily harm or death to persons or is likely to cause serious damage to property;
- (b) with intent to do bodily harm to any person
- (i) causes an explosive substance to explode,
- (ii) sends or delivers to a person or causes a person to take or receive an explosive substance or any other dangerous substance or thing, or
- (iii) places or throws anywhere or at or on a person a corrosive fluid, explosive substance or any other dangerous substance or thing;
- (c) with intent to destroy or damage property without lawful excuse, places or throws an explosive substance anywhere; or
- (d) makes or has in his possession or has under his care or control any explosive substance with intent thereby
- (i) to endanger life or to cause serious damage to property, or
- (ii) to enable another person to endanger life or to cause serious damage to property.
- Punishment
(2) Every one who commits an offence under subsection (1) [using explosives] is guilty of an indictable offence and liable
- (a) for an offence under paragraph (1)(a) [causes explosion with intent to cause damage, harm or death] or (b) [uses explosives or dangerous substance with intent to harm], to imprisonment for life; or
- (b) for an offence under paragraph (1)(c) [places or throws explosive with intent to damage] or (d) [make or possess explsive with intent to endanger life, damage property], to imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years.
R.S., c. C-34, s. 79.
[annotation(s) added]
- Possession of explosive
82 (1) Every person who, without lawful excuse, makes or has in their possession or under their care or control any explosive substance is guilty of
- (a) an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than five years; or
- (b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.
- Possession in association with criminal organization
(2) Every person who, without lawful excuse, makes or has in their possession or under their care or control any explosive substance for the benefit of, at the direction of or in association with a criminal organization is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years.
R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 82; R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 12; 1997, c. 23, s. 2; 2001, c. 32, s. 3(F); 2018, c. 29, s. 5; 2019, c. 25, s. 14.
Draft Form of Charges
Pre-ambles | ||
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"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 |
80 | "..., being a person who has an explosive substance in his possession or under his care or control, did fail without lawful excuse to perform that duty to use reasonable care to prevent bodily harm or death to persons [names] or damage to property [describe property] by that explosive substance contrary to section 80 of the Criminal Code. | |
81 | "..., contrary to section 81 of the Criminal Code. | |
82(1) | "..., contrary to section 82(1) of the Criminal Code. | |
82(2) | "..., contrary to section 82(2) of the Criminal Code. |
Proof of the Offence
Proving breach of duty re explosives under s. 80 should include:
|
Proving using explosives under s. 81(a) should include:
Proving using explosives under s. 81(b) should include:
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Proving using explosives under s. 81(c) should include:
Proving using explosives under s. 81(d) should include:
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Proving possession without lawful excuse under s. 82(1) should include:
Proving possession in association with criminal organization under s. 82(2) should include:
|
Interpretation of the Offence
Section 81(1)(a) "does not relate to mere possession of an explosive but rather to any act, whether passive or active, which is done with the intent to cause an explosion ... that is likely to cause serious damage to property."[1]
- Lawful Excuse
Possession for the purpose of making a "loud noise" with no intention to destroy property or injure anyone is not a lawful excuse.[2]
- ↑ R v Musitano, 1985 CanLII 1983 (ON CA), 24 CCC (3d) 65, per curiam
- ↑
R v Malang, 1982 CanLII 2029 (ON CA), 65 CCC (2d) 371, per Howland CJ
Misc Definitions
- "Bomb" and "Grenade"
The words "bomb" and "grenade" are to be given "it's ordinary meaning".[1]
"explosive substance"
s. 2
...
"explosive substance" includes
- (a) anything intended to be used to make an explosive substance,
- (b) anything, or any part thereof, used or intended to be used, or adapted to cause, or to aid in causing an explosion in or with an explosive substance, and
- (c) an incendiary grenade, fire bomb, molotov cocktail or other similar incendiary substance or device and a delaying mechanism or other thing intended for use in connection with such a substance or device;
...
R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 2; R.S., 1985, c. 11 (1st Supp.), s. 2, c. 27 (1st Supp.), ss. 2, 203, c. 31 (1st Supp.), s. 61, c. 1 (2nd Supp.), s. 213, c. 27 (2nd Supp.), s. 10, c. 35 (2nd Supp.), s. 34, c. 32 (4th Supp.), s. 55, c. 40 (4th Supp.), s. 2; 1990, c. 17, s. 7; 1991, c. 1, s. 28, c. 40, s. 1, c. 43, ss. 1, 9; 1992, c. 20, s. 216, c. 51, s. 32; 1993, c. 28, s. 78, c. 34, s. 59; 1994, c. 44, s. 2; 1995, c. 29, ss. 39, 40, c. 39, s. 138; 1997, c. 23, s. 1; 1998, c. 30, s. 14; 1999, c. 3, s. 25, c. 5, s. 1, c. 25, s. 1(Preamble), c. 28, s. 155; 2000, c. 12, s. 91, c. 25, s. 1(F); 2001, c. 32, s. 1, c. 41, ss. 2, 131; 2002, c. 7, s. 137, c. 22, s. 324; 2003, c. 21, s. 1; 2004, c. 3, s. 1; 2005, c. 10, s. 34, c. 38, s. 58, c. 40, ss. 1, 7; 2006, c. 14, s. 1; 2007, c. 13, s. 1; 2012, c.1, s. 160, c. 19, s. 371; 2013, c. 13, s. 2; 2014, c. 17, s. 1, c. 23, s. 2, c. 25, s. 2; 2015, c. 3, s. 44, c. 13, s. 3, c. 20, s. 15; 2018, c. 21, s. 12; 2019, c. 13, s. 140; 2019, c. 25, s. 1; 2022, c. 17, s. 1.
Whether or not a device functions properly (ie. being capable of exploding) to satisfy the definition of explosive substances under s. 2. Even faulty improvised explosives will be captured by s. 2(b) and (c) of the defition.[2]
- ↑ R v Musitano, 1985 CanLII 1983 (ON CA), 24 CCC (3d) 65, per curiam
- ↑
R v KDSA, 2010 NBCA 24 (CanLII), 253 CCC (3d) 556, per Quigg JA, at para 21
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) |
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s. 80(a) or 81(2)(a) [breach of duty, risk of death] | ||||
s. 82(1) [possession without lawful excuse] |
For serious personal injury offences or murder, s. 606(4.1) requires that after accepting a guilty plea, the judge must inquire whether "any of the victims had advised the prosecutor of their desire to be informed if such an agreement were entered into, and, if so, whether reasonable steps were taken to inform that victim of the agreement". Failing to take reasonable steps at guilty plea requires the prosecutor to "as soon as feasible, take reasonable steps to inform the victim of the agreement and the acceptance of the plea" (s. 606(4.3)).
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
Offences under s. 80(a) or 81(2)(a) are straight indictable. The maximum penalty is life incarceration. Offences under s. 80(b), 81(2)(b), or 82(2) are straight indictable. The maximum penalty is 14 years incarceration. Offences under s. 82(1) are straight indictable. The maximum penalty is 5 years incarceration.
- 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. 80 [breach of duty re explosives], 81 [using explosives], or 82(2) [possession without lawful excuse, crim. org.] | any |
If convicted under s. 80, 81, or 82(2) a discharge is not available under s. 730(1) as it is "an offence for which a minimum punishment is prescribed by law or an offence punishable by imprisonment for fourteen years or for life".
Offences under s. 80, 81, or 82(2) are ineligible for a conditional sentence order under s. 742.1(c), when prosecuted by indictment, as the maximum period of incarceration is 14 years or life.
Consecutive Sentences
Where the accused is convicted under s. 82(2), the sentence must be consecutive.
- Sentences to be served consecutively
82.1 A sentence imposed on a person for an offence under subsection 82(2) [possession of explosive in association with criminal organization] shall be served consecutively to any other punishment imposed on the person for an offence arising out of the same event or series of events and to any other sentence to which the person is subject at the time the sentence is imposed on the person for an offence under subsection 82(2) [possession of explosive in association with criminal organization].
1997, c. 23, s. 2.
[annotation(s) added]
Principles
Ranges
Ancillary Sentencing Orders
Offence-related Orders
Order | Conviction | Description |
---|---|---|
DNA Orders | s. 81(1)(a), (b), (c), or (d), 82(1) or (2) |
|
Weapons Prohibition Orders | s. 80, 81, 82 |
|
Delayed Parole Order | s. 81(1)(a), (b), or (d), or 81(2)(a) |
|
Generally Available 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. |
Record Suspensions and Pardons
Convictions under s. 80 and 81, and 82 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
Prior to December 13, 2018, s. 82 read:
- Possession without lawful excuse
82 (1) Every person who, without lawful excuse, the proof of which lies on the person, makes or has in the possession or under the care or control of the person any explosive substance is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years.
- Possession in association with criminal organization
(2) Every person who, without lawful excuse, the proof of which lies on the person, makes or has in the possession or under the care or control of the person any explosive substance for the benefit of, at the direction of or in association with a criminal organization is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years.
R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 82; R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 12; 1997, c. 23, s. 2; 2001, c. 32, s. 3(F).
See Also
- Explosives offence re public or government facility (s. 431.2(2))