Criminal Code

Marginal note:Judicial screening

• 745.61 (1) On receipt of an application under subsection 745.6(1), the appropriate Chief Justice shall determine, or shall designate a judge of the superior court of criminal jurisdiction to determine, on the basis of the following written material, whether the applicant has shown, on a balance of probabilities, that there is a reasonable prospect that the application will succeed:

  • (a) the application;

  • (b) any report provided by the Correctional Service of Canada or other correctional authorities; and

  • (c) any other written evidence presented to the Chief Justice or judge by the applicant or the Attorney General.

• Marginal note:Criteria

  (2) In determining whether the applicant has shown that there is a reasonable prospect that the application will succeed, the Chief Justice or judge shall consider the criteria set out in paragraphs 745.63(1)(a) to (e), with such modifications as the circumstances require.

• Marginal note:Decision re new application

  (3) If the Chief Justice or judge determines that the applicant has not shown that there is a reasonable prospect that the application will succeed, the Chief Justice or judge may

  • (a) set a time, not earlier than two years after the date of the determination, at or after which another application may be made by the applicant under subsection 745.6(1); or

  • (b) decide that the applicant may not make another application under that subsection.

• Marginal note:Where no decision re new application

  (4) If the Chief Justice or judge determines that the applicant has not shown that there is a reasonable prospect that the application will succeed but does not set a time for another application or decide that such an application may not be made, the applicant may make another application no earlier than two years after the date of the determination.

• Marginal note:Designation of judge to empanel jury

  (5) If the Chief Justice or judge determines that the applicant has shown that there is a reasonable prospect that the application will succeed, the Chief Justice shall designate a judge of the superior court of criminal jurisdiction to empanel a jury to hear the application.