The Participants

Beyond a Reasonable Doubt

• Crown must prove case beyond a reasonable doubt: a reasonable person would have no choice but to conclude that the defendant committed the offence.

The Judge:

• Decisions on admissibility of evidence

• Controls events in courtroom

• Interprets law pertaining to the case

• Decides guilt or innocence if no jury

• Decides sentence

Justice of the Peace:

• Less authority than a judge

• Issue arrest or search warrants

• Hear bail applications

The Defence:

• Represents interests of the accused

• If accused pleads not guilty – try to show there is reasonable doubt

• If accused pleads guilty will recommend an appropriate sentence

• Accused does not have to take stand

The Prosecution

• Crown represents gov’t/society’s interests

• Role is not to obtain conviction but to present credible evidence of a crime

• Important witnesses are police officers

Witnesses:

• Give evidence under oath, concerning knowledge of a crime

• May be forced to testify by a subpoena

• Commit perjury if they knowingly make false statements on the stand

The Jury

• Group of 12• Pool of ordinary

citizens• Listen to evidence

and follow judge’s instructions on law

• Decide on guilt or innocence

• Decision must be unanimous