>> Related External Resources 

  • Website: Statement of Principle Regarding Witnesses

    A website highlighting commitments set out in the “Statement of Principle regarding Witnesses” adopted by the Ministère de la Justice du Québec, the Barreau du Québec and the Judiciary.

  • Website: Victims of Crime - Rights, Recourse and Remedies

    If you are the victim of a crime, what are your rights? What are the rights of your immediate family? What remedies are available? Where can you get help? This website has answers to these questions and more.

  • Website: Witnesses: Your Role in Criminal Court

    Extract: “You may be someone who has witnessed or been a victim of a criminal act, or has information that may assist the court in trying a criminal case. As a witness, you are called on to play an essential role in the administration of justice. The Statement of Principle regarding Witnesses signed by the Ministère de la Justice, the judiciary and the Barreau du Québec in June 1998 reaffirms the key role of witnesses in the judicial process and contains formal commitments by the signatories to simplify the process for court witnesses. If you have any misgivings about having to testify, read the information in this website carefully. It has been prepared to reassure prospective witnesses by explaining in simple terms their exact role and responsibilities.”

  • Website: Witnesses: Your Role in Youth Court

    Extract:  “If you have witnessed a crime or been the victim of a crime committed by an individual under the age of 18 and, after reviewing the case, the criminal and penal prosecuting attorney decides to charge the young person, the proceedings will take place before a judge in the Youth Division of the Court of Québec. This website will help clarify your role and responsibilities as a witness in that Court.”

 

>> Important Note

We should also say that the rights noted above are relatively recent, individual-based rights. Although these rights are important, within Eeyou Istchee we can utilize and exercise our collective rights and values which have guided us for centuries. In other words, there may be better practices and guidance and understanding of rights and obligations within Cree society itself in Eeyou Itchee that may differ from these individually-oriented rights, but be more value-based and thus effective and appropriate for certain situations. Contact your local Community Justice Officer for more information on these and related subjects.