National > Criminal Code > General:Do the provinces in Canada play any role in criminal law?Yes, the provinces in Canada have an important role in criminal law. While the federal government has exclusive jurisdiction to enact criminal law, the provinces have the authority to administer the criminal law. Each province has a provincial court system, with judges appointed by the provincial government and with courts administered and paid for by the provinces. These courts handle the bulk of criminal law matters. Also, the provinces have the power to pass laws that deal with quasi-criminal offences. These Acts cover less serious offences, but they can also set out punishments such as fines and even jail sentences.
October 1996 |
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