Homicide and Murder: Canadian Law Overview

Different categories of murder with varying legal consequences, such as first-degree murder (most severe, with life sentence and potential for parole), second-degree murder (life sentence with a minimum 10-year parole eligibility), and manslaughter (ranging from life to no jail time).

A designation given to a convicted murderer, prohibiting them from ever applying for parole. This label indicates the most serious offense category within homicide.

Refers to the mental element of a crime, meaning the guilty mind or intent. It's crucial for establishing criminal liability.

A legal defense to a criminal charge, arguing that the accused genuinely believed a fact to be true, even if it was subsequently proven wrong.

The most common type of non-violent crime, encompassing offenses like breaking and entering, fraud, identity theft, and theft of vehicles, without involving force or threat of force.

Criminal activities that utilize digital networks and technologies, including fraud, harassment, intimidation, and identity theft, committed electronically.

A primary factor in preventing cybercrime, involving proactive measures to secure personal data and devices, like using strong passwords, updating software, and being cautious of online threats.

Criminal offenses committed by individuals in positions of power or trust, primarily for financial gain, often involving deception or abuse of authority.

A theory explaining how individuals temporarily justify their criminal behavior by rationalizing it as acceptable, despite knowing it's wrong, often through denial of responsibility or victim blaming.

This theory suggests that stress caused by external factors (government policies, consumer pressure) or internal problems (company structure) can contribute to corporate crime.

A fraudulent investment scheme where early investors are paid returns from the money of later investors. The scheme collapses when new investors are scarce.

Theories that explain criminal behavior as a result of social interactions and the environment.

A person who buys and sells stolen goods, acting as an intermediary between thieves and buyers.

A theory that proposes social trends and cultural changes occur through imitation, particularly from those in positions of influence.

A theory that suggests criminal behavior is learned through interactions with others who support and encourage criminal activity.

Internal and external factors that prevent individuals from engaging in criminal behavior.

Methods used by individuals to justify their deviant behavior and neutralize feelings of guilt or responsibility.

A state of flux where individuals move in and out of criminal behavior, their commitment to conformity is not stable.

The idea that individuals become defined by the labels placed upon them, and these labels can influence their behavior and identity. For instance, being labeled as a 'criminal' can lead to self-fulfilling prophecy, as individuals may internalize the label and engage in criminal behavior.

The most significant social position a person holds, often defining how others perceive and interact with them. It can be positive (e.g., musician) or negative (e.g., criminal), dramatically shaping their identity.

Cesare Lombroso's term for individuals who are predisposed to criminal behavior due to social conditions and treatment. They are not inherently criminal but become so due to factors such as poverty, discrimination, or lack of opportunity.

The study of the relationship between victims and the criminal event, including factors such as victim characteristics, victim precipitation, and the impact of crime on individuals.

The idea that some victims contribute to their own victimization by engaging in risky behaviors or making themselves vulnerable targets. It's important to note that this theory is controversial as it can lead to victim blaming.

The insensitive or victim-blaming attitudes that victims encounter from authorities, family, or friends. This can exacerbate their trauma and discourage them from seeking help.

The theory suggesting that certain lifestyle choices and activities increase the risk of becoming a crime victim. It considers factors such as routine activities, exposure to risk, and social influences.

This theory explains crime as the result of an intersection of three factors: the presence of a motivated offender, the availability of suitable targets, and the absence of capable guardians.

A psychological construct used to explain the behavior of women who have been subjected to long-term abuse, often in a domestic setting. It emphasizes the victim's helplessness and dependence on the abuser, often overlooking the root causes and enabling factors leading to the abuse.

A prison system that recognizes and addresses the unique needs and experiences of female inmates. This includes providing services and programs tailored to their specific circumstances, such as childcare, mental health treatment, and trauma-informed care.

This approach recognizes that trauma is a lived experience, not just a pathological illness. It focuses on addressing the social conditions that contribute to trauma and the impact it has on individuals, particularly women in the criminal justice system.

The official statistics on sexual assault are vastly underreported. The actual rate in Canada is estimated to be 15-25 times higher than the reported numbers.

One-third of women in Canada experience abuse from their partners, including spouses, girlfriends, and boyfriends. It is a widespread problem that affects a significant number of individuals.

This legislation in Canada shifted the focus of rape laws from sexual assault to violence. It redefined rape as a violent crime, included spousal rape, and made the law gender-neutral.

This legislation introduced significant changes to Canadian law regarding consent and sexual assault. It defined informed consent, established situations where consent is absent (e.g., intoxication, duress), and restricted the 'mistaken belief' defense.

This concept emphasizes the importance of establishing and maintaining strong relationships between the police and the community. It involves proactive outreach, communication, and engagement to build trust and understanding.

This strategy focuses on addressing specific crime problems within a community by identifying the roots of the problem, analyzing the situation, developing solutions, and assessing their effectiveness.

Studies suggest that foot patrols, compared to driving patrols, increase feelings of personal safety in communities, reduce calls for service, and make officers feel safer by fostering stronger community relationships.