Terminology

The following are definitions of some of the terms used in the sections above and below.

Bench warrant: Warrant issued for the arrest of the accused following a failure to abide by the courts orders or direction to appear before the court.

Case: One or more charges filed against the same person on the same Summary Offence Ticket (SOT) or Information.

Final Disposition: The final outcome of a case. When an acquittal, dismissal, or sentence has been entered in the case or proceeding, the judgment has become final.

First hearing: First appearance for a case in youth court.

Information: Charging document issued by peace officers against one or more persons for one of more offences.

Justice Centre: The main courthouse for the case. One Justice Centre may have satellite locations.

Justice of the Peace Centre: Court where the appointed presiding Justice of the Peace is able to issue warrants and conduct arraignments. Primarily used for matters that require after hours attention.

Median case processing time: The midpoint time at which half of the completed youth cases are shorter and half are longer.

Non-serious offence: Includes all offences not deemed “serious” (see serious offence below).

Serious offence: One or more of the following offences: murder, manslaughter, infanticide, criminal negligence causing death, other offences causing death, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault with a weapon, other sexual offences (i.e., sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching, etc.), aggravated assault, assault with a weapon or causing bodily harm, criminal negligence causing bodily harm, kidnapping, hostage taking, abduction under 16, child pornography (possession and production), robbery, extortion, use of explosives causing death/bodily harm, arson, Criminal Code motor vehicle offences which endanger the public (i.e., dangerous driving, impaired driving, and motor vehicle theft), firearms offences, and home invasions.

Summary Offence Ticket (SOT): Document issued by peace officers for offences under Nova Scotia laws (e.g., Motor Vehicle Act, municipal bylaws) and some federal laws. Does not include criminal charges.