A criminal trial determines whether the Crown has proved the charged offence beyond a reasonable doubt using admissible evidence. Procedure differs between Provincial Court and Supreme Court and between judge-alone and jury trials.
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.
Burden and presumption
The accused is presumed innocent and the Crown bears the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
- presumption of innocence
- elements of the offence
- reasonable doubt
Crown evidence
The Crown calls admissible evidence to prove the offence and may rely on witnesses, exhibits, expert evidence or agreed facts.
- direct examination
- cross-examination
- exhibits
Defence choices
The defence may challenge the Crown case, call evidence, raise an available defence or make Charter and evidentiary applications.
- no obligation to testify
- defence evidence
- voir dires
Judge or jury
The mode of trial depends on the offence and election rules. Jury trials proceed in the Supreme Court.
- Provincial Court trial
- Supreme Court judge alone
- jury trial
Verdict and next steps
An acquittal ends the prosecution subject to applicable appeal rights; a finding of guilt leads to sentencing unless another legal step intervenes.
- acquittal
- finding of guilt
- appeal issues
Official and authoritative sources
- Justice Canada — Criminal Code
- Justice Canada — Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
- Courts of Nova Scotia — Provincial Court
- Nova Scotia Legal Aid — Criminal Law Resources