Murder

Homicide cases include manslaughter, murder, and driving offences where a person loses their life. Clearly, these are the most serious offences in the country. These offences are often tried before a judge and jury, and often involve complex legal and factual issues such as causation, intent, self-defence, provocation, intoxication, and mental disorder.

What you'll be charged with depends on many factors, including: the level of intent, planning, and the manner in which the killing was carried out.

Punishment on convictions for these crimes are the longest and most restrictive sentences available in the country. For example, if a person is convicted of first-degree murder, they are sentenced to life with no eligibility of parole for a minimum of 25 years. A conviction for second-degree murder will still result in a life sentence but the eligibility of parole will be a minimum of 10 years. Manslaughter carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, and a minimum of 4 years if a firearm was used in the course of the offence. For all other situations, there is no minimum penalty.