Editorial Annotation

Duration of order

Duration of order

Introduction

An order made under subsection 490.012 applies for life if there was a prior order made under section 490.012 or section 227.01 of the National Defence Act.

Statutory Text

490.013(4) An order made under subsection 490.012(1) or (2) applies for life if the person is, or was at any time, subject to an order made previously under section 490.012 of this Act or section 227.01 of the National Defence Act.

Explanation

Section 490.013(4) of the Criminal Code of Canada serves as a provision that allows a court to make an order for the lifetime monitoring of an individual who has previously been subject to a similar order under section 490.012 of the Act or section 227.01 of the National Defence Act. This provision ensures that people with a history of being subject to similar orders have an ongoing obligation to report, maintain records, and follow prescribed conditions for the rest of their lives. Section 490.012 deals with court orders made in respect of an offender who has been discharged or convicted of an offense. The section provides for the imposition of conditions on the offender, which may include prohibited contact with certain individuals, restrictions on where they can go, or requirements that they attend counseling or treatment programs. The provision in section 490.013(4) is intended to ensure that individuals who have previously received similar orders are monitored for the duration of their lives. This provision is essential because it helps to prevent repeat offenses by monitoring the behavior of the individuals who have a history of committing such offenses. Overall, section 490.013(4) plays a vital role in protecting society from individuals who have shown a propensity for criminal behavior. It ensures that repeat offenders remain under scrutiny and can be held accountable for their actions, even after they have served their sentence or completed their requirements under a previous court order.

Commentary

Section 490.013(4) of the Criminal Code of Canada is a provision that deals with the application and duration of orders made under subsection 490.012(1) or (2). This section provides that such orders may be applied for life if the person in question is, or has been previously, subject to an order made under section 490.012 or section 227.01 of the National Defence Act. Essentially, this provision exists to ensure that those who have consistently demonstrated a risk to public safety are subject to long-term restrictions on their movements and activities. The purpose of this provision is twofold: to protect the public from harm and to provide a measure of accountability for those who have committed serious offences. The use of lifelong orders is a significant measure, and there are some concerns about how this provision may be used in practice. For example, some critics argue that lifelong orders may be too extreme and unduly harsh. These orders may prevent individuals from fully reintegrating into society and can lead to social isolation and difficulties finding work or housing. There is also a concern that lifelong orders may be used in cases where they are not necessary or where the risk of future harm is not sufficiently high to justify such a measure. This could result in a disproportionate response to the crime committed, and the individual may face punishment that is excessively severe. However, it is important to note that this provision is not used lightly. Orders under subsection 490.012(1) or (2) are only issued in cases where the offender has been convicted of a serious offence and poses a significant risk to public safety. In such cases, it is important to take measures to protect the public from harm, and lifelong orders may be necessary to achieve this goal. One of the benefits of lifelong orders is that they can be a powerful deterrent against future crime. Knowing that they will be subject to lifelong restrictions may deter some offenders from committing further crimes and can help prevent future harm to the public. It is also important to note that lifelong orders are not an end in themselves. The goal is to rehabilitate the offender and reduce the risk of harm to the public. Lifelong orders can be used in conjunction with other measures, such as therapy, counselling, and other forms of support to help the offender reintegrate into society and avoid future criminal behaviour. In conclusion, Section 490.013(4) of the Criminal Code of Canada provides for lifelong orders in cases where the offender has demonstrated a consistent risk to public safety. While there are some concerns about the use of such orders, they can be an effective way to protect the public from harm and deter future crime. It is important to use lifelong orders wisely, in conjunction with other measures to help the offender reintegrate into society and avoid future criminal behaviour.

Strategy

Section 490.013(4) is a crucial provision in the Criminal Code of Canada, as it determines the duration of orders made under subsections 490.012(1) or (2). This provision states that orders made under this section apply for life if the person has previously been subjected to an order under section 490.012 or section 227.01 of the National Defence Act. This provision has significant implications for criminal law practitioners, and it is essential to consider several strategic considerations when dealing with this section. One of the most significant strategic considerations is that an order made under subsection 490.012(1) or (2) could potentially be lifelong. This means that any decision made regarding this provision must be made with an understanding that actions taken today will have long-standing implications. As such, any decision regarding making or revoking an order made under this section must be taken with utmost care and consideration of all parties involved, as it could impact the individual's liberty, reputation and standing in the community. Furthermore, as this provision applies for life, the affected party may want to challenge the order through various means, such as through a Charter challenge or an appeal. Therefore, counsel must exercise due diligence in advising their client on whether challenging this provision is the best course of action, and if so, the best approach to take. Given the lifelong nature of the order, it may be necessary to invest resources and time in resolving any legal challenges that may arise. Another critical strategic consideration is related to the fact that the provision applies to individuals who have previously been subjected to an order under the same section or under section 227.01 of the National Defence Act. This means that counsel must have a thorough understanding of any prior orders or convictions that their clients have, and their implications, as this can impact the application and the duration of the order under this section. Strategies that could be employed when dealing with this provision may include comprehensive legal research, such as reviewing case law from similar scenarios, as well as considering the context of the individual's prior charges or convictions. Additionally, parties could consider engaging in negotiations or discussions to determine whether there are alternative measures to an order that could be applied. In conclusion, the strategic considerations surrounding Section 490.013(4) of the Criminal Code of Canada are numerous and significant. Practitioners must exercise due diligence and employ well-crafted strategies to ensure that their clients' rights and interests are protected when dealing with this provision. The lifelong implications of an order made under this section make it essential to take every step necessary to ensure informed decision-making.