Criminal Code and Related Definitions
Introduction
All definitions set out here apply to all uses of the word within the Criminal Code except where indicated otherwise.
Descriptive cross-references
3. Where, in any provision of this Act, a reference to another provision of this Act or a provision of any other Act is followed by words in parenthesis that are or purport to be descriptive of the subject-matter of the provision referred to, the words in parenthesis form no part of the provision in which they occur but shall be deemed to have been inserted for convenience of reference only. 1976-77, c. 53, s. 2.
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Criminal Code Terms
| Term | Section | Scope | Related Sections and/or Articles | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| "abandon" or "expose" | s. 214 | Part VIII of Code [Offences Against the Person and Reputation] | Abandoning Child (s. 218) | |
| "accused" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | many instances, see Accused in Court | |
| "Act" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | many instances, Definitions for General Documents, Legal Documents and Financial Instruments | |
| "adult" | s. 487.04 | "In this section and in sections 487.05 to 487.0911" | Only used in s. 487.07(4). See Execution of Blood Sample Warrants | |
| "ammunition" | s. 2.1 | Definition of Firearms | ||
| "antique firearm" | s. 2.1 | Definition of Firearms | ||
| "Attorney General" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | ||
| "aircraft" | s. 214 | Part VIII of Code [Offences Against the Person and Reputation] | s. 244.2, 249, 251 to 254, 255, 255.1, 258, 259, 260 | |
| "associated personnel" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | s. 6, 424.1, 431.1. See also Definitions of Parties, Persons, and Organizations | |
| "authorization" | s. 2.1 and 84(1) | Definition of Firearms | ||
| "automatic firearm" | s. 2.1 and 84(1) | Definition of Firearms | ||
| "bank-note" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | Definitions for General Documents, Legal Documents and Financial Instruments | |
| "bet" | s. 197 | "In this Part" [PART VII - Disorderly Houses, Gaming and Betting] | ||
| "bodily harm" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | Definition of Bodily Harm | |
| “Canadian Forces” | s. 2 | Criminal Code | s.5, 46, 50, 53, 54, 62, 78, 117.07, 117.08, 191, 193.1, 269.1, 366, 419 to 421, 445.01, and 672.37 | |
| "cartridge magazine" | s. 2.1 and 84(1) | Definition of Firearms | ||
| "cattle" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | ||
| "change" | s. 732.1 | "In this section and section 732.2" [Part XXIII - Sentencing] | ||
| "child pornography" | s. 163.1 | Section 163.1 only ("this section") | Definition of Child Pornography | |
| "clerk of the court" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | Definitions of Parties, Persons, and Organizations | |
| "common bawdy-house" | s. 197 | "In this Part" [PART VII - Disorderly Houses, Gaming and Betting] | ||
| "common betting house" | s. 197 | "In this Part" [PART VII - Disorderly Houses, Gaming and Betting] | ||
| "common gaming house" | s. 197 | "In this Part" [PART VII - Disorderly Houses, Gaming and Betting] | ||
| "common-law partner" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | Definitions of Parties, Persons, and Organizations | |
| "complainant" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | Role of the Victim and Third Parties | |
| "computer data" | s. 487.011 | s. 487.012 to 487.0199 [relating to preservation and production of records] | Definitions for General Documents, Legal Documents and Financial Instruments | |
| "counsel" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | Definitions of Parties, Persons, and Organizations | |
| "count" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | Definitions for General Documents, Legal Documents and Financial Instruments | |
| "court" | s. 164(8) | Section 164 | Definition of Judicial Officers | |
| "court" | s. 320(8) | Section 320 | Definition of Judicial Officers | |
| "court of appeal" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | Criminal Courts | |
| "court of criminal jurisdiction" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | Definition of Judicial Officers | |
| "court of criminal jurisdiction" | s. 785 | Part XXVII of Criminal Code | Criminal Courts | |
| "Credit card" | s. 321 | Part IX [Offences Against Rights of Property] | s. 342, 342.01, 347.1. See also Definitions for General Documents, Legal Documents and Financial Instruments | |
| "crime of a sexual nature" | s. 490.011 | "in this section and in sections 490.012 to 490.032" [relating to SOIRA Orders] | SOIRA Orders | |
| "criminal organization" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | Criminal Organizations | |
| "criminal organization offence" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | Criminal Organizations | |
| "cross-bow" | s. 2.1 and 84(1) | Definition of Firearms | ||
| "data" | s. 487.011 | sections 487.012 to 487.0199 [relating to preservation and production of records] | Definitions for General Documents, Legal Documents and Financial Instruments | |
| "database" | s. 490.011 | "in this section and in sections 490.012 to 490.032" [relating to SOIRA Orders] | SOIRA Orders | |
| "day" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | Time and Place | |
| "designated offence" | s. 487.04 | "In this section and in sections 487.05 to 487.0911" | ||
| "designated offence" | s. 490.011 | "in this section and in sections 490.012 to 490.032" [relating to SOIRA Orders] | SOIRA Orders | |
| "disorderly house" | s. 197 | "In this Part" [PART VII - Disorderly Houses, Gaming and Betting] | ||
| "DNA" | s. 487.04 | "In this section and in sections 487.05 to 487.0911" | ||
| "document" | s. 321 | Part IX [Offences Against Rights of Property] ("this part") | Definitions for General Documents, Legal Documents and Financial Instruments | |
| "document" | s. 487.011 | s. 487.012 to 487.0199 [relating to preservation and production of records] | Definitions for General Documents, Legal Documents and Financial Instruments | |
| "document of title to goods" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | Definitions for General Documents, Legal Documents and Financial Instruments | |
| "document of title to lands" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | Definitions for General Documents, Legal Documents and Financial Instruments | |
| "dwelling-house" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | Dwelling House Defined | |
| "enactment" | s. 6 | s. 6 ("this section") | ||
| "environment" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | ||
| “every one”, “person” and “owner” | s. 2 | Criminal Code | ||
| "explosive substance" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | Use or Possession of Explosives (Offence) | |
| "firearm" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | Firearms | |
| "forensic DNA analysis" | s. 487.04 | "In this section and in sections 487.05 to 487.0911" | ||
| "form of marriage" | s. 214 | Part VIII of Code [Offences Against the Person and Reputation] | ||
| "game" | s. 197 | "In this Part" [PART VII - Disorderly Houses, Gaming and Betting] | ||
| "gaming equipment" | s. 197 | "In this Part" [PART VII - Disorderly Houses, Gaming and Betting] | ||
| "government or public facility" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | ||
| "guardian" | s. 150 | "In this Part" [Part V - Sexual Offences, Public Morals and Disorderly Conduct] | ||
| "guardian" | s. 214 | Part VIII of Code [Offences Against the Person and Reputation] | ||
| "handgun" | s. 2.1 and 84(1) | Definition of Firearms | ||
| "Her Majesty’s Forces" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | ||
| "highway" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | ||
| "imitation firearm" | s. 2.1 and 84(1) | Definition of Firearms | ||
| "indictment" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | Definitions for General Documents, Legal Documents and Financial Instruments | |
| "internationally protected person" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | see Definitions of Parties, Persons, and Organizations | |
| "judge" | s. 83.28 | Section 83.28 and 83.29 | Definition of Judicial Officers | |
| "judge" | s. 320 | Section 320 | Definition of Judicial Officers | |
| "judge" | s. 462.3 | Part XII.2 [Proceeds of Crime] | Definition of Judicial Officers | |
| "judge" | s. 487.011 | s 487.012 to 487.0199 [relating to preservation and production of records] | Definition of Judicial Officers | |
| "judge" | s. 488.1(1) | "this section" | Definition of Judicial Officers | |
| "judge" | s. 490.2(5) | "this section" | Definition of Judicial Officers | |
| "judge" | s. 493 | Part XVI [Compelling Appearance of Accused Before a Justice and Interim Release] (s. 493 to 529.5) | Definition of Judicial Officers | |
| "judge" | s. 552 | Part XIX [Indictable Offences — Trial Without Jury] (s. 552 to 573.2) | Definition of Judicial Officers | |
| "justice" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | Definition of Judicial Officers | |
| "justice system participant" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | Intimidation of a Justice System Participant (Offence) | |
| "keeper" | s. 197 | "In this Part" [PART VII - Disorderly Houses, Gaming and Betting] | ||
| "licence" | s. 2.1 and 84(1) | Definition of Firearms | ||
| "mental disorder" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | Not Criminally Responsible | |
| "military" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | ||
| "military law" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | ||
| "motor vehicle" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | Impaired Driving, Over 80 and Refusal (Offence) | |
| "municipality" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | Definitions of Parties, Persons, Places and Organizations | |
| "night" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | Time and Place | |
| "nuclear facility" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | ||
| "offence-related property" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | Forfeiture of Offence-related Property | |
| "offender" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | Accused in Court | |
| "offensive weapon" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | ||
| "Ontario Act" | s. 490.011 | "in this section and in sections 490.012 to 490.032" [relating to SOIRA Orders] | SOIRA Orders | |
| "operate" | s. 214 | Part VIII of Code [Offences Against the Person and Reputation] | ||
| "optional conditions" | s. 732.1 | "In this section and section 732.2" [Part XXIII - Sentencing] | ||
| "organization" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | Definitions of Parties, Persons, and Organizations | |
| "pardon" | s. 490.011 | "in this section and in sections 490.012 to 490.032" [relating to SOIRA Orders] | SOIRA Orders | |
| "peace officer" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | Peace Officers | |
| "place" | s. 197 | "In this Part" [PART VII - Disorderly Houses, Gaming and Betting] | ||
| "place" | s. 286.1(5) | "this section" | Commodification of Sexual Services (Offence) | |
| "prohibited ammunition" | s. 2.1 and 84(1) | Definition of Firearms | ||
| "prohibited device" | s. 2.1 and 84(1) | Definition of Firearms | ||
| "prohibited firearm" | s. 2.1 and 84(1) | Definition of Firearms | ||
| "prohibited weapon" | s. 2.1 and 84(1) | Definition of Firearms | ||
| "primary designated offence" | s. 487.04 | "In this section and in sections 487.05 to 487.0911" | ||
| "prison" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | Prison Breach (Offence) | |
| "property" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | Possession of Stolen Property (Offence) | |
| "property" | s. 428 | Part XI of the Code | Possession of Stolen Property (Offence) | |
| "proseuctor" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | ||
| "provincial court judge" | s. 2 | Criminal Code (except as set out in s. 111, 487.04) | Definition of Judicial Officers | |
| "provincial court judge" | s. 111(11) | "this section and sections 112, 117.011 and 117.012" of Code | Definition of Judicial Officers | |
| "provincial court judge" | s. 487.04 | "this section and in sections 487.05 to 487.0911" | Definition of Judicial Officers | |
| "public department" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | ||
| "public officer" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | Definitions of Parties, Persons, Places and Organizations | |
| "public officer" | s. 487.011 | s 487.012 to 487.0199 [relating to preservation and production of records] | Definitions of Parties, Persons, and Organizations | |
| "public place" | s. 150 | "In this Part" [PART V - Sexual Offences, Public Morals and Disorderly Conduct] | ||
| "public place" | s. 197 | "In this Part" [PART VII - Disorderly Houses, Gaming and Betting] | ||
| "public place" | s. 213 | "In this section" | Solicitation (Offence) | |
| "public place" | s. 286.1(5) | "this section" | Commodification of Sexual Services (Offence) | |
| "public stores" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | ||
| "radioactive material" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | ||
| "railway equipment" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | ||
| "record suspension" | s. 490.011 | "in this section and in sections 490.012 to 490.032" [relating to SOIRA Orders] | SOIRA Orders | |
| "registration centre" | s. 490.011 | "in this section and in sections 490.012 to 490.032" [relating to SOIRA Orders] | SOIRA Orders | |
| "registration certificate" | s. 2.1 and 84(1) | Definition of Firearms | ||
| "replica firearm" | s. 2.1 and 84(1) | Definition of Firearms | ||
| "representative" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | Definitions of Parties, Persons, Places and Organizations | |
| "restricted firearm" | s. 2.1 and 84(1) | Definition of Firearms | ||
| "restricted weapon" | s. 2.1 and 84(1) | Definition of Firearms | ||
| "Review Board" | s. 490.011 | "in this section and in sections 490.012 to 490.032" [relating to SOIRA Orders] | SOIRA Orders | |
| "secondary designated offence" | s. 487.04 | "In this section and in sections 487.05 to 487.0911" | ||
| "senior officer" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | Definitions of Parties, Persons, Places and Organizations | |
| "sentence" | s. 785 | "In this Part" [PART XXVII - Summary Convictions] | ||
| "serious offence" | s. 2 and 467.1(1) | Criminal Code ("this Act") | Criminal Organizations | |
| "serious personal injury offence" | s. 752 | Part XXIV [Dangerous Offenders And Long-Term Offenders] ("This part") | Serious Personal Injury Offences | |
| "steal" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | ||
| "street racing" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | ||
| "summary conviction court" | s. 785 | Part XXVII of Criminal Code | Criminal Courts | |
| "superior court of criminal jurisdiction" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | Definition of Judicial Officers | |
| "territorial division" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | Definitions of Parties, Persons, and Organizations | |
| "terrorism offence" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | Terrorism Definitions | |
| "terrorist activity" | s. 2 and 83.01 | Criminal Code | Terrorism Definitions | |
| "terrorist group" | s. 2 and 83.01 | Criminal Code | Terrorism Definitions | |
| "testamentary instrument” | s. 2 | Criminal Code | Definitions for General Documents, Legal Documents and Financial Instruments | |
| "theatre" | s. 150 | "In this Part" [PART V - Sexual Offences, Public Morals and Disorderly Conduct] | ||
| "traffic” | s. 355.1 | s. 355.2 and 355. | Trafficking in Stolen Property (Offence) | |
| "trustee" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | ||
| "unfit to stand trial" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | Fitness to Stand Trial | |
| "United Nations operation” | s. 2 | Criminal Code | ||
| "United Nations personnel” | s. 2 | Criminal Code | ||
| "valuable mineral” | s. 2 | Criminal Code | ||
| "valuable security" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | Definitions for General Documents, Legal Documents and Financial Instruments | |
| "verdict of not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder" | s. 490.011 | "in this section and in sections 490.012 to 490.032" [relating to SOIRA Orders] | SOIRA Orders | |
| "vessel" | s. 214 | Part VIII of Code [Offences Against the Person and Reputation] | Referenced in s. 244.2, 249, 250 to 255.1, and 258 to 260. | |
| "victim" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | Role of the Victim and Third Parties | |
| "warrant" | s. 493 | Part XVI of Code [Compelling Appearance of Accused Before a Justice and Interim Release] ("this Part") | Warrant Arrests | |
| "weapon" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | Definition of Weapons | |
| "wiretap offences" | s. 183 | Part VI [Invasion of Privacy] | Wiretaps | |
| "wreck” | s. 2 | Criminal Code | ||
| "writing" | s. 2 | Criminal Code | Definitions for General Documents, Legal Documents and Financial Instruments | |
| "Young Offenders Act" | s. 487.04 | "In this section and in sections 487.05 to 487.0911" | ||
| "young person" | s. 487.04 | "In this section and in sections 487.05 to 487.0911" |
Controlled Drugs and Substances Act Terms
| Term | Section | Scope | Related Sections and/or Articles |
|---|---|---|---|
| "adjudiator" | s. 2 | CDSA | |
| "alternate person in charge" | s. 56.1 | "this section" | |
| "analyst" | s. 2 | CDSA | |
| "controlled substance" | s. 2 | CDSA | |
| "designated criminal offence" | s. 56.1 | "this section" | |
| "designated drug offence" | s. 56.1 | "this section" | |
| "designated substance offence" | s. 2 | CDSA | |
| "judge" | s. 2 | CDSA | see s. 522 of the Criminal Code |
| "justice" | s. 2 | CDSA | same as s. 2 of the Criminal Code |
| "offence-related property" | s. 2 | CDSA | |
| "possession" | s. 2 | CDSA | |
| "practitioner" | s. 2 | CDSA | |
| "precursor" | s. 2 | CDSA | |
| "prescribed" | s. 2 | CDSA | |
| "produce" | s. 2 | CDSA | |
| "provide", "sell" or "traffic" | s. 2 | CDSA |
Evidence Act
| Term | Section | Scope | Related Sections and/or Articles |
|---|---|---|---|
| "court" | s. 29 | "this section" | Electronic Documents |
| "financial institution" | s. 29 | "this section" | |
| "legal proceedings" | s. 29 | "this section" | |
| "business" | s. 30 | "In This section" | |
| "copy" | s. 30 | "In This section" | |
| "court" | s. 30 | "In This section" | |
| "legal proceeding" | s. 30 | "In This section" | |
| "record" | s. 30 | "In This section" | |
| "corporation" | s. 31 | "In This section" | |
| "government" | s. 31 | "In This section" | |
| "photographic film" | s. 31 | "In This section" | |
| "computer system" | s. 31.8 | s. 31.1 to 31.6 | Electronic Documents |
| "data" | s. 31.8 | s. 31.1 to 31.6 | Electronic Documents |
| "electronic document" | s. 31.8 | s. 31.1 to 31.6 | Electronic Documents |
| "electronic documents system" | s. 31.8 | s. 31.1 to 31.6 | Electronic Documents |
| "secure electronic signature" | s. 31.8 | s. 31.1 to 31.6 | Electronic Documents |
| "judge" | s. 38 | "this section and in sections 38.01 to 38.15" | |
| "participant" | s. 38 | "this section and in sections 38.01 to 38.15" | |
| "potentially injurious information" | s. 38 | "this section and in sections 38.01 to 38.15" | |
| "proceeding" | s. 38 | "this section and in sections 38.01 to 38.15" | |
| "prosecutor" | s. 38 | "this section and in sections 38.01 to 38.15" | |
| "sensitive information" | s. 38 | "this section and in sections 38.01 to 38.15" | |
| "Council" | s. 39 | s. 39(1) | |
| "cause" | s. 44 | Part II (s. 43 to 51) | |
| "court" | s. 44 | Part II (s. 43 to 51) | |
| "judge" | s. 44 | Part II (s. 43 to 51) | |
| "oath" | s. 44 | Part II (s. 43 to 51) |
Interpretation Act
| Term | Section | Scope | Related Sections and/or Articles |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Act" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "Bank" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "British Commonwealth" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "broadcasting" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "Canada" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "Canadian waters" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "Clerk of the Privy Council" or "Clekr of the Queen's Privy Council" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "Commonwealth" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "contiguous zone" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "continental shelf" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "contravention" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "corporation" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "county" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "diplomatic or consular officer" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "exclusive economic zone" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "Governor", "Governor General" or "Governor of Canada" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "Governor General in Council" or "Governor in Council" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "Great Seal" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| “Her Majesty”, “His Majesty”, “the Queen”, “the King” or “the Crown” | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "herein" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "holiday" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "internal waters" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "legislative assembly" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "lieutenant governor" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "lieutenant governor in council" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "local time" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "military" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "month" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "oath" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "Parliament" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "person" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "proclamation" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "province" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "radio" or "telecommunication" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "regular force" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "reserve force" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "security" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "standard time" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "statutory declaration" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "superior court" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "telecommunications" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "territorial sea" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "territory" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "two justices" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "United Kingdom" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "United States" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "writing" | s. 35 | "every enactment" | |
| "telegraph" | s. 36 | ||
| "year" | s. 37 | ||
| "Act" | s. 2 | Interpretation Act ("this Act") | |
| "enact" | s. 2 | Interpretation Act ("this Act") | |
| "enactment" | s. 2 | Interpretation Act ("this Act") | |
| "public officer" | s. 2 | Interpretation Act ("this Act") | |
| "regulation" | s. 2 | Interpretation Act ("this Act") | |
| "repeal" | s. 2 | Interpretation Act ("this Act") |