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Principles and sources of criminal law

Last updated on June 3, 2021

The criminal justice system is a foundation of Canadian society. It plays an important part in maintaining a just, peaceful and safe society. It does this by maintaining public safety, enforcing laws and protecting people’s rights.

The criminal justice system is a foundation of Canadian society. It plays an important part in maintaining a just, peaceful and safe society. It does this by maintaining public safety, enforcing laws and protecting people’s rights. Some key goals of the criminal justice system include:

  • Preventing crime
  • Protecting the public
  • Supporting victims of crime, their families and witnesses 
  • Holding people responsible for crimes they have committed
  • Helping offenders to return to the community and become law abiding members of the community
Jury Duty

A jury is a group of people who decide if an accused person in a criminal trial is guilty or if a claim in a civil trial has been proven. Learn more about jury duty.

Criminal Justice Glossary

Check our alphabetical list of criminal justice terms along with their definitions.