Introduction to Criminal Law (1:I)

This chapter provides a reference for LSLAP clinicians to assist and advise clients through each step of the criminal justice process. It highlights the procedures and issues clinicians commonly face in representing clients in criminal proceedings, sets out the relevant substantive law to assist students in preparing for trial, and includes practice recommendations for clinicians. However, it is highly recommended that any clinician proceeding with a criminal file refer to this chapter alongside the LSLAP Guide to Criminal Defence Work 2013.

You probably seeing this word used in terms like substantive law, substantive issues, or substantive orders, and it is used to identify aspects of these things (be they laws, legal issues, or court orders) that deal with the legal rights and duties of the parties involved in a case. Substantive law defines and regulates the rights and obligations of individuals, as opposed to procedural law, which outlines the methods and means by which substantive law is made and administered. In family law, substantive issues often involve matters such as guardianship and parenting arrangements relating to children, support, and the division of property. A substantive order from a judge will be a decision about a substantive issue, versus a procedural order which will be about how steps in the litigation should.

The testing of the claims in a court proceeding at a formal hearing before a judge with the jurisdiction to hear the proceeding. The parties present their evidence and arguments to the judge, who then makes a decision resolving the parties' claims against one another that is final and binding on the parties unless successfully appealed. See "action," "appeal," "argument," "claim," "evidence" and "jurisdiction."

In law, (1) the whole of the conduct of a court proceeding, from beginning to end, and the steps in between, may also be used to refer to (2) a specific hearing or trial. See "action."