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Impaired Driving and Over 80 (s. 320.14 (1)) Laws in Canada
Impaired driving charges consist of operating a motor vehicle, vessel, or aircraft while your ability to do so is impaired by alcohol or drugs. This offence is concerned with the effect that alcohol or drugs had on the accused’s ability to drive. The offence is also known generally as Driving Under the Influence (DUI), however, this is an American term not used in the ...
Animal Cruelty (s. 445 – 447) Laws in Canada
What is animal cruelty? Animal cruelty laws are covered under s.445 to s.447 of the Criminal Code. Under these sections of the Criminal Code it is an offence to willfully cause animals to suffer from neglect, pain or injury. There has been much criticism directed towards animal cruelty laws in Canada by academics and legal scholars alike. This is due to the wording ...
Arson Laws in Canada Explained
Arson involves causing damage to property by intentionally or recklessly causing a fire or an explosion. It is relatively rare in comparison to other criminal offences but is still considered a serious crime in Canada. The Criminal Code of Canada (the “Code”) identifies five separate offences for arson, in sections 433 through 436. Arson Examples Examples of arson include: Setting fire to your car; Not ...
Extortion (s. 346 (1)) Laws in Canada
What is Extortion? Extortion is an offence which is covered under s.346(1) of the Criminal Code. Extortion is defined in the Criminal Code as making “threats, accusations, menaces or violence” in order to force the complainant to do something, which usually involves, but is not limited to, paying a sum of money. However, a threat to sue is not considered a “threat” amounting ...
Theft Laws in Canada
Theft is a type of non-violent property offence that covers a variety of illegal acts, including shoplifting or taking the personal property of a friend, family member or stranger without consent. Theft is covered under s. 322(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada (the “Code”) and is generally divided into two categories: Theft over $5,000; and Theft under $5,000. There are also special categories ...
Criminal Harassment (s. 264) Laws in Canada
What is Criminal Harassment? Criminal harassment is covered under s. 264 of the Criminal Code. Criminal harassment is more commonly referred to as stalking, but the offence can include a wide range of acts. However, the acts typically follow repeated, but unwanted attempts to communicate with the complainant. Criminal harassment is a hybrid offence, where depending on the circumstances of your case, the ...
Sexual Assault (s. 271) Laws in Canada
What is Sexual Assault? Sexual assault is covered under s.271 of the Criminal Code. Canada has a broad definition of sexual assault as sexual assaults can encompass a variety of sexually related charges such as those that involve the use of violence or a weapon. Generally speaking, sexual assault includes all unwanted sexual activity. There are three levels of sexual assault: general sexual ...
Can you spank your kids in Canada?
Yes, depending on the circumstances, you are permitted to spank your child in Canada. Usually, striking another person would be treated as assault in the legal system and might result in criminal charges, but section 43 of the Criminal Code creates an exception if you are using force on a child for corrective reasons. Section 43 states that you are justified in ...
