Criminal Defence Lawyer Blog 

How an Alberta Murder Case Reaches a Jury Trial First-Degree and Second-Degree Murder In Canada, murder can be categorized into two main categories, namely first-degree murder and second-degree murder. First degree murder usually includes cases of murder that were premeditated. Some murder cases can fall under the category of first degree murder based on the surrounding facts regardless of whether the prosecution bases its arguments on the element of premeditation. Second-deg

What Are Charter Rights in a Murder Investigation? Charter rights are legal protections found in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. They limit how police, prosecutors, and courts may treat a person during a criminal investigation or prosecution. In a murder investigation, Charter rights can become important long before trial. They may apply when police first approach a person, ask questions, detain them, arrest them, search a home, seize a phone, or collect physic

What Is First-Degree Murder in Canada? First-degree murder is the most serious classification of murder in Canada. It generally includes murder that is planned and deliberate, as well as specific categories of murder listed in the Criminal Code. Section 231 of the Criminal Code provides that murder is first-degree murder when it is planned and deliberate. It also identifies other situations where murder may be treated as first degree, even if the Crown does not rely only on

Key Takeaways A strong defence begins immediately after charges are laid Early review of Crown disclosure can reveal weaknesses Charter rights violations may lead to excluded evidence Expert witnesses often play a decisive role Defence strategies depend on intent, facts, and available proof Creating reasonable doubt is the central goal at trial Understanding Murder Charges in Calgary Under the Criminal Code of Canada , murder is divided into two main categories: first-de