Criminal Law

Legislative changes considered in this edition include Parliament's trend to adding mandatory minimum sentences and Charter decisions striking some down, as well as new, simplified Criminal Code defences of self-defence and of defence of property enacted in 2013. Under the defence of insanity in Chapter 5, consideration is given to the new classification of the American Psychiatric Association (2013), Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

This influential text provides a critical review of how the Charter of Rights and Freedoms is being applied in the criminal courts by the Supreme Court, courts of appeal and trial judges.

Also available as eBook through vLex. Since publication of the first edition in 1996, Criminal Law by Kent Roach has become one of the most highly regarded titles in Irwin Law’s Essentials of Canadian Law series. Professor Roach’s account of the current state of substantive criminal law in Canada has become essential reading not only in law schools but also among judges, practitioners, and others involved in the criminal justice system.

The book's interdisciplinary approach to the study of criminal law combines commentary by the authors with excerpts from cases, government reports and extensive secondary material, including newspaper reports and articles. While critically examining the traditional approach to criminal law found in the Criminal Code and the common law, this text explores the historical, theoretical, sociological and political contexts of the criminal law and its administration. The fifth edition contains analysis of important statutory, case law and related developments that have emerged since the last edition.

Also available as eBook through vLex. This book sets out and examines the law governing criminal procedure in Canada. It explains the body of rules and principles that govern the investigation, prosecution, and adjudication of any offence enacted by Parliament for which an accused person would have a criminal record if found guilty by a court exercising jurisdiction under the Criminal Code. These include such things as the rules by which police powers are exercised, the right to counsel, search warrants, interim release, and procuring attendance of witnesses.

Also available as eBook through vLex. Ethics and Criminal Law is a comprehensive survey of the ethical issues facing criminal lawyers. Topics covered include: defending a client known to be guilty; choosing and refusing clients; decision-making in criminal litigation; the duty of confidentiality and its exceptions; conflict of interest; client perjury; interviewing and preparing witnesses; plea discussions; handling incriminating physical evidence; termination of the client-lawyer relationship; and the special duties of Crown counsel.

This comprehensive text provides vital background information and a coherent structure for understanding the law. Focusing on the substantive aspects of the criminal justice system and the trial context, this casebook covers the adversary system, how the elements of crime are proven, defences and sentencing practices. Features include a concentration on the main sources (including the Criminal Code), key judicial decisions and critical review, judicious editing of the increasingly lengthy reasons for judgment in major cases, an extended introductory section and problems based on actual decisions or designed to provoke thought on current social issues.

Most recent edition available online through LexisNexis Quicklaw. This book canvasses the law of sentencing in a way that no other books on criminal law and sentencing are able: it succinctly outlines all of the significant facets of sentencing principles and procedure, and provides the reader with a comprehensive range of sentencing for various offences.