CRIM 131 – Chapter 8: Victimology & Criminal Courts

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing key concepts from the lecture on Victimology and Criminal Courts.

Summary Conviction Offences

Less serious crimes handled in provincial court without a jury, resulting in lower penalties.

Indictable Offences

More serious crimes with harsher penalties and may involve jury trials and preliminary hearings.

Hybrid Offences

Offences that can be prosecuted as either summary or indictable, at the discretion of the Crown.

Preliminary Hearing

A gatekeeping procedure that determines if there's enough evidence for a trial.

Judicial Interim Release (Bail)

Release of an accused person before trial under specific conditions.

Remand

Custody of an accused awaiting trial or sentencing, often impacting innocent individuals.

Security Certificates

Used to detain non-citizens viewed as national security threats, often based on secret evidence.

Plea Bargaining

An agreement wherein the accused pleads guilty to achieve a lesser charge or sentence.

Open Court Principle

Requirement for court proceedings to be public to ensure accountability and transparency.

NCRMD

Not Criminally Responsible on Account of Mental Disorder; individuals unable to understand their actions due to mental illness.

Restitution

Court-ordered payment by an offender to a victim for specific losses.

Criminal Injury Compensation

Government-funded support for victims when offenders are unknown or unable to pay.

Wrongful Convictions

Misjudgments in the criminal justice system leading to the conviction of innocent individuals.

Ladder Principle

Principle guiding bail decisions to begin with the least restrictive measures for release.

Victim Impact Statement

Statement made by a victim outlining the emotional, physical, and financial impact of a crime.