Administration-of-justice offences are not merely paperwork problems. The prosecution must prove the elements of the particular offence, which can include the existence and terms of an order, notice or knowledge, prohibited conduct and the required mental state.
Primary legislation and official process sources checked October 5, 2026. Criminal law and court procedure can change; verify the current source before relying on a provision or deadline.
Release-order breaches
The Code creates offences for failing to comply with specified release-order conditions, subject to the wording and mens rea of the provision.
- release order
- condition
- knowledge
Undertaking breaches
Police undertakings can impose enforceable conditions while a charge is before the court.
- undertaking
- variation
- alleged breach
Failure to appear
Missing a required court appearance can create a warrant and, in some circumstances, a separate charge.
- required attendance
- warrant
- reasonable excuse issues
Probation breaches
A probation order can contain statutory and optional conditions that remain enforceable for the period of the order.
- keep the peace
- reporting
- optional conditions
Bail after a new allegation
A breach or new charge while on release can lead to cancellation or reconsideration of release in addition to prosecution of the new allegation.
- section 524
- detention
- new release plan
Official and authoritative sources
- Justice Canada — Criminal Code
- Nova Scotia Legal Aid — Criminal Law Resources
- Courts of Nova Scotia — Provincial Court