LEG310 - Criminal Law Practice and Procedure
| Semester | |
| School | |
| Last revision date | Jan 26, 2026 1:08:24 AM |
| Last review date | Mar 16, 2026 12:15:11 AM |
Subject Title
Criminal Law Practice and Procedure
Subject Description
This introductory course helps students better understand the criminal justice system and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The focus of this course will be taking the student through the adult criminal justice process from arrest to completion of criminal charges. Through research of the Criminal Code of Canada, and legal office procedures, the course will provide a basic overview of the general principles of substantive criminal law while applying this theory to the legal profession.
Credit Status
This is a credit subject applicable towards the Legal Assistant Certificate Program offered through the Faculty of Continuing Education and Training
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:
Students receiving a credit for this course will have demonstrated their ability to:
- Apply the basic fundamentals of criminal law, including the special needs of young persons and aboriginals
- Research an issue in relation to the administration of the criminal justice system in society
- Identify the role of the various players in the criminal justice system: i.e. Crown, defense, judge, juries, accused, and witness
- Describe and evaluate the process incurred by individuals from the commission of a crime to the time punishment is imposed
- Apply the legal freedoms protected by the Charter of Rights in a given fact situation and advocate the written or verbal format to articulate the importance of the freedoms to others
Essential Employability Skills
• Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.
• Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.
• Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.
• Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.
• Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.
• Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.
• Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.
Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).
Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.
Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.
Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.
Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.
Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.
By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.
Topic Outline
- Introduction to criminal law in Canada
- Introduction to Criminal Code of Canada
- Ethics: practicing criminal law, court formality and respect, Criminal Code offences, offence grid
- Arrest and bail: Forms of release, sureties, bail reviews
- Mock bail hearing: Retainer and the record, client intake interviews, Legal Aid Ontario
- Set date process: 1 1(b), agents, Designation of Counsel, Duty Counsel
- Disclosure: Reviewing disclosure, organization strategies, 1 1(b) applications, trial within a reasonable time
- Criminal Rules: Applications, types of criminal sentences, variation of probation, judges order for attendance, subpoena, preparing for Judicial Pre-trial conferences
- The criminal trial process: Parties in court, witnesses, evidence, Court of Appeal, the law clerk experience, The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
- Mock trial: Sentencing, health reference, letters, victim impact statements, client information, The Youth Criminal Justice Act
Prescribed Texts
Title: Criminal Law for Legal Professionals
Author: Gulycz, M. & Kelly, M.
Edition: Third edition
Publisher: Emond Montgomery
ISBN:978-1-77255-756-5
To find out the cost of books and learning material go here.
Any courses not listed on the bookstore webpage do not require any resources for purchase. All resources will be provided by your instructor.
Student Progression and Promotion Policy
http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/student-progression-and-promotion-policy.html
Grading Policyhttp://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/grading-policy.html
| A+ | 90% to 100% |
| A | 80% to 89% |
| B+ | 75% to 79% |
| B | 70% to 74% |
| C+ | 65% to 69% |
| C | 60% to 64% |
| D+ | 55% to 59% |
| D | 50% to 54% |
| F | 0% to 49% (Not a Pass) |
| OR | |
| EXC | Excellent |
| SAT | Satisfactory |
| UNSAT | Unsatisfactory |
For further information, see a copy of the Academic Policy, available online (http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academics-and-student-services.html) or at Seneca's Registrar's Offices. (https://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/registrar.html).
Modes of Evaluation
Online Midterm Test - 25%
Participation and posts in discussion forums, including completion of short assignments - 20%
Individual Research Assignment - 25%
Final Assignment - 30%