Sexual-offence law contains offence-specific definitions, consent rules and evidentiary protections. Sexual assault is governed by the general assault framework together with sections 271 and related provisions, while other sexual offences have distinct elements and age-based rules.
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.
Sexual assault
The offence focuses on intentional touching of a sexual nature without legally valid consent, assessed under the Criminal Code and case law.
- sexual nature
- consent
- intentional touching
Consent rules
Consent must be the complainant's voluntary agreement to the sexual activity in question, and the Code identifies circumstances in which consent is not legally obtained.
- capacity and voluntariness
- activity in question
- no implied consent
Age-specific offences
The Code contains offences and restrictions specifically protecting young people, including sexual interference and invitation to sexual touching.
- age of consent framework
- sexual interference
- invitation to sexual touching
Evidence protections
Special rules can govern sexual-history evidence, private records and evidence about communications in specified circumstances.
- section 276
- private records
- admissibility hearings
Privacy and procedure
Publication bans and other protective measures can restrict public dissemination of identifying information while preserving open-court principles within the governing law.
- publication ban
- witness supports
- court record
Official and authoritative sources
- Justice Canada — Criminal Code
- Justice Canada — Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
- Courts of Nova Scotia — Provincial Court