The person who is charged with a crime.
A document telling the accused to go to court at a specific time to answer charges laid against them.
An order given to the accused stating they cannot communicate with the victim directly or indirectly (such as by phone, email, through social media or through another person).
A lawyer who works for the government and decides whether to approve charges against the accused. At court the Crown prosecutor is responsible for presenting evidence of an alleged crime and proving it to a Judge beyond a reasonable doubt.
A court order intended to prevent a person from harming another. Peace bonds are an agreement to keep the peace and be of good behaviour toward a specific person. Sometimes a peace bond may also prohibit direct or indirect contact with that person.
Someone who has suffered physical or emotional harm, property damage, or economic loss because of an alleged or proven crime. During the criminal process, a person is usually only considered a “victim” if the accused person is found guilty of the crime. Before that, they are often referred to as a “complainant”.
Someone who alleges to have suffered physical or emotional harm, property damage, or economic loss because of an alleged crime.