Justice Efficiencies and
Access to the Justice System

Final Report on Mega-trials of the Steering Committee on Justice Efficiencies and Access to the Criminal Justice System

VI. OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE

Some other suggestions of the F/P/T Heads of Prosecutions have served as basis for the following Steering Committee recommendations:

Recommendation #11

The Steering Committee recommends that judges assigned to mega-trials receive specialized training focused on management.

Recommendation #12

The Steering Committee recommends that the Court be able to amend a defective direct indictment, pursuant to section 601 of the Criminal Code. In these circumstances, the Crown should not be required to obtain and file a new direct indictment.

Recommendation #13

The Steering Committee recommends that provisions be enacted to codify the substantive or procedural rules governing preliminary motions. It also recommends that the Criminal Code describe in more detail the process for filing these motions.

Recommendation #14

Section 669.2(4) of the Code should be amended to provide for specific criteria or conditions governing the decision to continue a trial under a new trial judge, and favouring such continuation in complex and lengthy proceedings, except in unusual circumstances. Such conditions could include, for example, the need for submissions by counsel and consultation with the Chief Justice.