Legal Aid Research Series Court Side Study of Adult Unrepresented Accused in the Provincial Criminal Courts Part 1: Overview Report


Figure 4.3 Duty Counsel Functions and Restrictions
Site Functions Duty Counsel available to cover / and for which accused Whether Eligibility and Coverage Tests are Applied Other Restrictions on Functions/ Service provided
Kelowna All functions except trial No, except for trial No
Edmonton All functions except trial No DC does not review disclosure with unrepresented accused
Limited presence in federal docket court
Limited role in trials, not always available to assist with sentencing
Regina Bail hearings
Plea and sentencing for bail cases that are easily resolved		 No No
Brandon All functions except trial No except for trial No
Scarborough All functions except trial and entering of plea Yes except for in-custody cases Not normally available to assist with plea negotiations on day of trial
Sherbrooke First appearance only No No
Bathurst First appearance, plea, bail and sentencing No No
Halifax First appearance only
Plea and sentencing for cases which are easily resolved		 No No
St. John’s In-custody cases only
Plea and sentencing for bail cases which are easily resolved		 No No