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R. v. Labonté

[1996] 2 SCR 167 Court SCC Decision date 1996-05-28 Docket 24768 English

PartiesAlain Labonté Appellant·Her Majesty The Queen Respondent

Judges Lamer, Antonio; La Forest, Gérard V.; L'Heureux-Dubé, Claire; Sopinka, John; Gonthier, Charles Doherty; Cory, Peter deCarteret; McLachlin, Beverley; Iacobucci, Frank; Major, John C.

Delivered by Lamer C.J.

On appeal from Quebec

Subjects Criminal law

Contents

Lamer C.J.

The Chief Justice ‑‑ The evidence at trial concerning the charge of robbery provided a basis for two theories, guilt based on the direct commission of the crime and guilt based on being a party pursuant to s. 21(1) of the Criminal Code . Both the Crown and the defence wished the judge to instruct the jury on complicity as an alternative basis for the appellant`s guilt. The judge did not do so, or at least did so inadequately.
This error warrants the ordering of a new trial. The appeal is dismissed.

Statutes and regulations cited