Subject
Report Writing
Topic
Basic Search Warrant Drafting Course
Class Level
N/A
Pre-Requisites
Law Enforcement or Criminal Law experience
Description
The Basic Search Warrant Drafting Course will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices involved in drafting warrants. Participants will learn how to draft warrants that comply with legal requirements, that ensure the admissibility of evidence and safeguards the Charter of Rights.
Course Breakdown
DAY ONE
- Introduction to search warrant drafting and cold creative writing assignment
- Legal Foundations and constitutional considerations
- Warrant framework & pre-issue requirements
- Legal precedents and case studies
Learning Objective
Understand the constitutional framework of search and seizure, and s. 487.
DAY TWO
- Drafting techniques
- Structuring the Affidavit
- Articulation and creating a nexus.
- Specificity and particularity
- Constitutional pitfalls
- Findings and lessons learned in R. v. Baird, MBPC
Learning Objective
Learn essential writing techniques and the art of nonfiction prose.
DAY THREE
- Bill S-4
- Production Orders
- Introduce fact scenario.
- Editing/sourcing exercises
- Confidential Informants and tipsters
Learning Objective
To compare with other judicial authorizations and understand the importance of sound writing and proper sourcing.
DAY FOUR
- Reports to Justices
- Drafting exercise – Writing your grounds for belief
- Legal precedents
Learning Objective
To apply the theory that has been learned in the writing assignment.
DAY FIVE
- Adding your introduction and conclusion and putting it all together
- Discussion about Entry Warrants
- Submit final assignment.
- Mock court room session –
- Garafoli – crossing the affiant.
Learning Objective
To understand the fundamentals of warrant writing with a level of comfort doing it on their own and understanding behind their work.
Course Length
Five 8-hour Days
Class Size
10 students optimally
Delivery Requirements
PowerPoint, Smart Screen/Monitor, Laptop Computers