PLO352 - Criminal Law/Summary Conviction Procedure

Subject Title
Criminal Law/Summary Conviction Procedure

Subject Description
This subject introduces the substantive law and procedure related to offences under the Criminal Code of Canada, with the emphasis on summary conviction offences. Students review the limited role of the paralegal in the criminal court process.

Credit Status
This is a credit subject applicable towards the Paralegal Diploma Program offered through the School of Legal, Public and Office Administration. 

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Identify the key provisions of relevant legislation (e.g. Criminal Code, Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Youth Criminal Justice Act, Rules of the Ontario Court of Justice in Criminal Proceedings) 

2.  Interpret the classification of offences and appropriate trial jurisdiction.

3. Analyze and interpret the elements of an offence.

4. Identify common summary conviction offences and procedural and substantive defences to these

5. Understand the duties and obligations of the police, Crown, lawyers and paralegals in a criminal proceeding.

6.  Demonstrate an understanding of investigatory powers, for example, search and seizure, investigation and questioning of suspects

7. Identify and explain the procedures related to the arrest and compelling the attendance of the accused, and of relevant witnesses.

8 .Demonstrate a knowledge of the relevant documentation in a criminal matter, for example, information, warrant.

9. Demonstrate an understanding of judicial interim release and bail.

10. Understand and analyze the elements of a summary conviction proceeding, including laying of an information, first appearance/arraignment, disclosure, pretrial, motions, trial and appeal.

11. Show an understanding of the types of evidence presented before a summary conviction court.

12.  Explain the consequences of various plea options available to a person charged with an offence

13.  Understand and analyze the purposes and principles of sentencing and diversion.

14.  Apply the proper procedure for obtaining a record suspension.

15.  Using case studies,  apply the theoretical and procedural principles in a paralegal's criminal law practice.

16. Understand the scope of practice for paralegals related to summary conviction matters under the Criminal Code, and as set out in By-Law No. 4 of the Law Society of Ontario Act.

17. Demonstrate an attitude of professionalism, as evidenced by an ability to meet deadlines, complete assignments and perform tests and in-class assignments as scheduled.

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Execute mathematical operations accurately.

    •  Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.