Criminal Law Glossary

When an accused does not attend a scheduled court appearance. Failing to appear is an offence.

A shared decision-making meeting for families. Friends and family come together to develop a plan to help solve problems, and to make sure children have the care and support they need.

Penitentiaries where offenders serving sentences of two years or more are held.

All or part of a sentence requiring someone convicted of a crime to pay money to the court.

The first time the accused must appear in court.

The examination of evidence by using science or technology in a legal setting.

Evidence found where the crime occurred, such as fingerprints, results of blood tests, or DNA.

A person who specializes in collecting and examining forensic evidence at a crime scene.