Editorial Annotation
Powers before evidence on merits presented
Statutory Text
551.3(1) In performing his or her duties before the stage of the presentation of the evidence on the merits, the case management judge, as a trial judge, may exercise the powers that a trial judge has before that stage, including (a) assisting the parties to identify the witnesses to be heard, taking into account the witnesses� needs and circumstances; (b) encouraging the parties to make admissions and reach agreements; (c) encouraging the parties to consider any other matters that would promote a fair and efficient trial; (d) establishing schedules and imposing deadlines on the parties; (e) hearing guilty pleas and imposing sentences; (f) assisting the parties to identify the issues that are to be dealt with at the stage at which the evidence on the merits is presented; and (g) subject to section 551.7, adjudicating any issues that can be decided before that stage, including those related to (i) the disclosure of evidence, (ii) the admissibility of evidence, (iii) the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, (iv) expert witnesses, (v) the severance of counts, and (vi) the separation of trials on one or more counts when there is more than one accused.