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Home/Law, crime and justice/Criminal justice/B.C.'s criminal justice system/Understanding criminal justice/How the Criminal Justice System Works

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  • Understanding criminal justice
    • The justice system in British Columbia
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    • Indigenous Justice
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    • Key parts of the criminal justice system
    • How the Criminal Justice System Works
      • A Crime is Committed
      • Investigating a Crime
      • After the Investigation
      • Laying Charges
      • Court Hearings
      • Sentencing
      • Appeals
      • Release from Custody
      • Court Records
      • Criminal Records
      • Record Suspensions
      • Youth Records
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How the Criminal Justice System Works

Last updated on June 3, 2021

This section describes how the criminal justice system works in British Columbia, from reporting and investigating a crime to releasing and pardoning offenders.

  • A Crime is Committed
  • Investigating a Crime
  • After the Investigation
  • Laying Charges
  • Appearing in Court
  • Sentencing
  • Appeals  
  • Release From Custody
  • Court Records
  • Criminal Records
  • Record Suspensions
  • Youth Records

Related Links

  • ClickLawĀ 
  • Justice Education SocietyĀ 
  • Legal Aid BCĀ 
Jury Duty

A jury is a group of people who decide if an accused person in a criminal trial is guilty or if a claim in a civil trial has been proven. Learn more about jury duty.

Criminal Justice Glossary

Check our alphabetical list of criminal justice terms along with their definitions.

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The B.C. Public Service acknowledges the territories of First Nations around B.C. and is grateful to carry out our work on these lands. We acknowledge the rights, interests, priorities, and concerns of all Indigenous Peoples - First Nations, MƩtis, and Inuit - respecting and acknowledging their distinct cultures, histories, rights, laws, and governments.

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