How The Jury Is Affected By Different Kinds Of Evidence In A Murder Trial, Especially From Television Programs

We’re trained by television to assume that people are walking around in dark rooms with flashlights and have amazing access to scientific tests and evidence that they present in court. We aren’t allowed to ask jurors about the impression certain types of evidence may have on them, although it would be very useful for lawyers [...]

How First Degree Murder, Second Degree Murder, And Manslaughter Are Defined.

All homicides are defined as either first degree murder or second degree murder. If you cause somebody’s death, and you do it intentionally, in the sense that you meant to cause somebody’s death or you meant to cause him serious bodily injury, then you’re guilty of murder. The murder then is characterized as either first [...]

The Distinction Between First And Second Degree Murder And Manslaughter

First degree murder is murder which is planned and deliberate. Sentencing for first degree murder is very simple. We do not have capital punishment in Canada so a person who is convicted of first degree murder is sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole for 25 years. The calculation for those 25 [...]

Several Defences For A Murder Charge

The defence may argue whether or not the death was planned and whether a second degree charge might be more appropriate. The issue may be whether the crime was intentional and whether the person intended murder. The issue also may be whether you have really identified the right person. Another issue may be whether that [...]

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