Criminal Conviction Review

The Criminal Code gives the Minister of Justice the power to review a conviction to determine whether there may have been a miscarriage of justice. This power has been part of Canada's justice system since the original Criminal Code of 1892. Today, the Minister's power to review convictions is set out in sections 696.1-696.6 in Part XXI.1 of the Criminal Code. The Regulations Respecting Applications for Ministerial Review-Miscarriages of Justice outline the requirements for an application as well as the procedure that is followed once an application has been completed. The Criminal Conviction Review Group (CCRG), is comprised of lawyers who assist the Minister in this function. They review and investigate the applications, and make recommendations to the Minister.

Applying for a Conviction Review

This area explains the basic principles of conviction review, the review process, and how to apply. It also includes the forms that applicants are required to complete in order to apply for a Criminal Conviction Review.

Annual Reports

The legislation requires the Minister of Justice to submit an annual report to Parliament which contains statistical as well as other information concerning the conviction review process. [2006] [2005] [2004]  [2003]

News Releases

Minister of Justice Refers Murder Case to Ontario Court of Appeal
August 23, 2006

Justice Minister Releases Investigative Report in Truscott Case
November 28, 2005

Executive Summary -- Report to the Minister of Justice Prepared by the Honourable Fred Kaufman, C.M., Q.C.; F.R.S.C.,In the Matter of an Application by Steven Murray Truscott Pursuant to Section 690 (Now 696.1) of the Criminal Code

Justice Minister to Release Investigative Report in Truscott Case
August 12, 2005

Minister of Justice Finds Miscarriage of Justice: Refers Murder Case to Quebec Court of Appeal
July 12, 2005

Minister of Justice Orders New Trial in Manitoba Murder Case
March 3, 2005

Minister of Justice Refers Murder Case to Alberta Court of Appeal
February 15, 2005

Prevention of Wrongful Convictions: Significant Measures Proposed by Ministers of Justice
January 25, 2005

Justice Minister Concludes that Miscarriage of Justice Likely Occurred in Steven Truscott Case
Backgrounder: Steven Truscott Wrongful Conviction Application
October 28, 2004

Minister of Justice Appoints Special Advisor to Oversee Criminal Conviction Reviews
November 20, 2003

Minister of Justice Orders New Trial for Steven Richard Kaminski
January 27, 2003