Question 1

Jasmine plays an important role in the courtroom. Her role has been described as "the cornerstone of the criminal justice system" and she represents the community in the courtroom. She is also responsible for laying charges. What is Jasmine's role?

Accepted Answer

Jasmine's role as described fits that of Crown counsel (or prosecutor in some jurisdictions). Crown counsel represents the state or the community in criminal proceedings, is responsible for laying charges, and is considered a key component of the criminal justice system.

Question 2

Jessica is being tried for disturbing the peace. Her case is being heard in a provincial court without a jury. Which type of trial is this?

Accepted Answer

Summary trials are typically for less serious offenses and are often heard without a jury, which fits the description of Jessica's case being tried in a provincial court for disturbing the peace.

Question 3

Nicole plays an important role in the courtroom.	She is responsible for signing off on all orders and judgments and appointing court employees. What is Nicole's role?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Nicole plays an important role in the...

Question 4

Rick plays an important role in the courtroom. He is responsible for escorting the accused to and from the courtroom and for assisting with jury management. What is Rick's role?

Accepted Answer

Rick's role as described involves escorting the accused and assisting with jury management, which are duties typically performed by a sheriff or a sheriff's deputy in the courtroom context.

Question 5

Tobias believes that judges should be more accountable to the public, particularly when making decisions related to political concerns. Which of the following policies is Tobias likely to support?

Accepted Answer

Tobias's belief in judges being more accountable to the public, especially in political matters, aligns with supporting the election of judges. Electing judges can make them more directly accountable to the public's opinions and concerns, as opposed to appointed judges who may be perceived as less directly connected to public accountability.

Question 6

Select one type of specialized provincial court and briefly describe its activities and objectives.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Select one type of specialized provincial court...

Question 7

Discuss the concerns that have been voiced about the circuit court system in the northern regions of the country.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the concerns that have been voiced...

Question 8

Briefly summarize the debate as to whether the Supreme Court of Canada engages in "social activism" through its decisions and discuss the results of research studies that have examined court decisions.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Briefly summarize the debate as to whether...

Question 9

Discuss why the case of R v. Sharpe provides a good illustration of the tension between individual rights as set out in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the need to protect the general public.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss why the case of R v....

Question 10

How have the cases heard at the provincial/territorial court level changed in recent years. Why is this a problem?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How have the cases heard at the...

Question 11

Briefly describe the structures of judicial accountability in Canada and then offer an assessment of their effectiveness.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Briefly describe the structures of judicial accountability...

Question 12

Discuss how judicial independence is facilitated in the Canadian judicial system.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss how judicial independence is facilitated in...

Question 13

Briefly explain where Canadian judges come from.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Briefly explain where Canadian judges come from....

Question 14

Discuss the trend with respect to the increasing use of specialized courts in the Canadian provincial court system.	Identify and briefly discuss the objectives underlying their use.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the trend with respect to the...

Question 15

Define the term "therapeutic justice." How does this term relate to specialized courts in Canada?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Define the term "therapeutic justice." How does...

Question 16

Discuss electable offences and identify and describe the three modes of trial that the accused can choose from.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss electable offences and identify and describe...

Question 17

Define the term "courtroom workgroup." How has this group changed since the introduction of problem-solving courts?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Define the term "courtroom workgroup." How has...

Question 18

There are numerous concerns that surround the provincial/territorial circuit courts. What suggestions do you have as to how these concerns can be addressed and how the delivery of justice services to northern and remote communities can be improved?

Accepted Answer

The answer of There are numerous concerns that surround the...

Question 19

How does the case of R v. Sharpe (Box 7.2; p. 157) highlight the tension between individual rights and the need to protect the general public? Consider the decision made by the Supreme Court of Canada and the subsequent decision of the B.C. Supreme Court, which found that Sharpe's written work had "artistic value." Among the issues that could be discussed are the extent to which the courts should consider the notion of "community standards" in making decisions, and how the courts can balance the rights of the community, the defendant, and, in this case, children.

Accepted Answer

The answer of How does the case of R v....

Question 20

Place yourself in the position of an accused person charged with an electable offence. Would you choose to be tried by a judge sitting alone, or by a judge and a jury? What is your reasoning for selecting one option or the other?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Place yourself in the position of an...

Quiz 7: The Structure and Operation of the Criminal Courts