INTRODUCTION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION
Appeal court or judge may extend time periods mentioned in sections 830, 831, or 832.
SECTION WORDING
838 The appeal court or a judge thereof may at any time extend any time period referred to in section 830, 831 or 832.
EXPLANATION
Section 838 of the Criminal Code of Canada deals with the power of the appeal court or a judge thereof to extend any time period mentioned in sections 830, 831, or 832. These sections relate to various time limits associated with criminal proceedings, such as the duration for holding an accused person in custody before trial, the time period for filing an appeal, and the time period for conducting an inquiry. This provision gives the court or a judge the authority to extend the time limit for any of these sections if they deem it necessary in the interest of justice. For example, if a defendant in a criminal case is unable to file an appeal within the prescribed period due to unforeseen circumstances, such as illness or other compelling reasons, they may request an extension from the court or a judge. Similarly, if an inquiry is taking longer than expected, the court or a judge can extend the time period to ensure that all relevant facts are gathered and examined. This provision is important as it allows the court to exercise discretion and flexibility in criminal proceedings to ensure that justice is served adequately. However, it is crucial to note that such extensions should not be considered routine and should be granted only in exceptional circumstances. The court or a judge must consider all relevant factors, such as the reason for delay, the potential impact on all parties involved, and the interest of justice, before granting an extension. Therefore, this provision acts as a crucial safeguard against any potential lapses or delays in criminal proceedings.
COMMENTARY
Section 838 of the Criminal Code of Canada empowers appeal court and its judges to extend the period of time referred to in sections 830, 831, or 832 whenever necessary. These sections essentially relate to the time limits within which courts and respective parties, including the prosecution and defense, must abide by various procedural requirements of criminal trials, such as filing appeals, providing evidence, or submitting applications. Specifically, section 830 grants the appeal court the power to allow any person who failed to appeal or give notice of appeal within the specified period to apply for leave to appeal. Section 831 provides the time limits for a person convicted of an offense to serve and file a notice of appeal, while section 832 stipulates the time limits that the Attorney General must adhere to before filing an appeal against a verdict that is not in agreement with what they had hoped for. By giving the appeal court or a judge the discretion to extend these time frames, the section aims to ensure that procedural fairness is upheld in criminal proceedings. The section 838 provision is widely viewed as an essential safeguard for individuals or parties involved in the criminal justice system. As a legal safety net, it enables individuals who have missed critical deadlines to enable them to have their case reheard or appeals dismissed, essential to preserving the right of defendants to a fair trial. Central to this is the understanding that justice ought not to be prejudiced based on missed dates or simple errors, even on the part of legal professionals. Thus, as a legal remedy designed to mitigate the inherent shortcomings of the criminal justice system, section 838 serves an essential function. At the same time, however, concerns have been raised over the extent to which the discretion granted to appeal court judges could affect the broader functioning of the criminal justice system, including in the context of those that have already been included in the proceedings. This discretion could result in unnecessary delays that could prejudice the rights of other parties involved in the criminal proceeding. In addition, the very extension of legal deadlines could pose a challenge to the timely administration of justice and thereby increasing costs. Indeed, the courts have, on occasion, been emphatic that they will only allow extensions when special and extraordinary circumstances warrant it. Likewise, both the appellant and the respondent must establish good reasons, such as sickness, unforeseen circumstances, or a lack of legal assistance, before a judge may grant the extension. In essence, section 838 of the Criminal Code of Canada is important in fostering legal remedies that would otherwise be unavailable to individuals caught up in the Canadian criminal justice system. However, it also poses a risk of allowing unnecessary delays and higher costs in the administration of legal justice. The goal should be to balance the imperative of procedural fairness against the broader goals of access to justice, timely resolution of cases, and the efficient use of public resources.
STRATEGY
Section 838 of the Criminal Code of Canada allows for the extension of time periods contained in sections 830, 831, and 832. These sections pertain to the process for filing appeals in criminal cases. The ability to extend these time periods can be an important tool for lawyers and their clients who are appealing a conviction or sentence. One strategic consideration when dealing with section 838 is timing. A party seeking an extension of time must make their application to the appeal court or a judge thereof. Requesting an extension of time too soon could undermine the credibility of the application as it suggests a lack of diligence. Conversely, waiting too long could result in the loss of the right to appeal altogether. Therefore, lawyers must carefully consider the timing of their application and ensure they are making it at an appropriate time to maximize their chances of success. Another strategic consideration is the reason for the delay. The ability to extend a time period under section 838 is not automatic. The party seeking the extension must provide a valid reason for the delay. For example, if the delay was caused by unforeseeable circumstances such as the illness of a witness, the court is more likely to grant the extension. However, if the delay was caused by the neglect or inaction of the party seeking the extension, the court is less likely to grant the application. Lawyers must therefore carefully consider the reasons for the delay in order to present a compelling case for the extension. A third strategic consideration is the impact of the delay on the appeal itself. Appeals rely heavily on evidence, and delays can impact the availability of evidence. Witnesses may forget important details, or evidence may become lost or difficult to obtain. Lawyers must consider the impact of the delay on the evidence in the case and determine the best course of action. For example, if the delay has made it impossible to obtain vital evidence, the appeal may not be feasible and it may be better to abandon the appeal altogether. To increase the chances of success, lawyers can employ a variety of strategies when requesting an extension under section 838. One approach is to demonstrate a commitment to resolving the matter quickly. For example, a lawyer can propose a realistic timeline for the appeal and explain how the extension of time will allow them to meet that timeline. Additionally, lawyers can offer to provide regular updates to the court on the progress of the appeal, which can help build trust and credibility with the court. Another strategy is to demonstrate a willingness to be flexible. If the reason for the delay was within the control of the party seeking the extension, it may be beneficial to offer a compromise such as agreeing to file the appeal with fewer supporting documents or waiving the right to make certain arguments. This approach demonstrates a willingness to work with the court and can increase the chances of the extension being granted. Ultimately, when dealing with section 838 of the Criminal Code of Canada, lawyers must carefully consider the timing, reasons for the delay, and impact of the delay on the appeal. By presenting a compelling case for the extension, and employing strategic approaches such as demonstrating a commitment to resolving the matter quickly, lawyers can increase their chances of success.