Stay of Proceedings Restored: Alberta Court of Appeal Upholds Ruling on Unreasonable Delay
Any person charged with an offence has the right to be tried within a reasonable time. Section 11(b) of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms recognizes the stigmatization, loss of privacy, and stress and anxiety created by the cloud of suspicion that accompanies criminal proceedings. It also recognizes that the right to a fair trial is protected by attempting to ensure that proceedings take place while evidence is available and fresh. Delay can prejudice the ability of the def