PLEA gratefully acknowledges our primary core funder the Law Foundation of Saskatchewan for their continuing and generous support of our organization.
Illegal behaviour can lead to interactions with the police, criminal charges, and involvement in the criminal justice system. From your first interactions with the police through court appearances and possibly a trial, you have rights to ensure that you are treated fairly. Knowing your rights in these situations is important.
Police enforce laws including criminal laws, traffic rules and bylaws. You have certain rights and obligations when you are dealing with the police. There are also options if you think you have been treated unfairly.
In Canada, criminal and regulatory offences must be set out in a written law. This is so people can be certain about what behaviour is against the law and know what the penalty is for breaking a law. Not knowing that something is an offence is not an excuse under the law. Everyone is expected to know what is against the law.
When someone is charged with a criminal offence, their case will proceed through criminal court. Matters heard here include bail hearings, first appearances, election and plea, trials and sentencing.
This section covers some common offences, such as assault and sexual assault, driving offences, and cannabis related crimes and offences.
The Saskatoon and Regina public libraries are hosting free Law Fairs to help people learn about their legal rights/responsibilities and connect with legal information and support. In Saskatoon, check out the free screening of The Good Canadian presented by Legal Aid Saskatchewan. There's lots to see and do during the 11th annual Saskatchewan Access to Justice (SKA2J) Week!