Criminal Code

Marginal note:Judge may order production of record to accused

• 278.7 (1) Where the judge is satisfied that the record or part of the record is likely relevant to an issue at trial or to the competence of a witness to testify and its production is necessary in the interests of justice, the judge may order that the record or part of the record that is likely relevant be produced to the accused, subject to any conditions that may be imposed pursuant to subsection (3).

• Marginal note:Factors to be considered

  (2) In determining whether to order the production of the record or part of the record to the accused, the judge shall consider the salutary and deleterious effects of the determination on the accused’s right to make a full answer and defence and on the right to privacy, personal security and equality of the complainant or witness, as the case may be, and of any other person to whom the record relates and, in particular, shall take the factors specified in paragraphs 278.5(2)(a) to (h) into account.

• Marginal note:Conditions on production

  (3) If the judge orders the production of the record or part of the record to the accused, the judge may impose conditions on the production to protect the interests of justice and, to the greatest extent possible, the privacy, personal security and equality interests of the complainant or witness, as the case may be, and of any other person to whom the record relates, including, for example, the following conditions:

  • (a) that the record be edited as directed by the judge;

  • (b) that a copy of the record, rather than the original, be produced;

  • (c) that the accused and counsel for the accused not disclose the contents of the record to any other person, except with the approval of the court;

  • (d) that the record be viewed only at the offices of the court;

  • (e) that no copies of the record be made or that restrictions be imposed on the number of copies of the record that may be made; and

  • (f) that information regarding any person named in the record, such as their address, telephone number and place of employment, be severed from the record.

• Marginal note:Copy to prosecutor

  (4) Where the judge orders the production of the record or part of the record to the accused, the judge shall direct that a copy of the record or part of the record be provided to the prosecutor, unless the judge determines that it is not in the interests of justice to do so.

• Marginal note:Record not to be used in other proceedings

  (5) The record or part of the record that is produced to the accused pursuant to an order under subsection (1) shall not be used in any other proceedings.

• Marginal note:Retention of record by court

  (6) Where the judge refuses to order the production of the record or part of the record to the accused, the record or part of the record shall, unless a court orders otherwise, be kept in a sealed package by the court until the later of the expiration of the time for any appeal and the completion of any appeal in the proceedings against the accused, whereupon the record or part of the record shall be returned to the person lawfully entitled to possession or control of it.