Under the Criminal Code of Canada, what is the statute of limitations for a summary conviction from the date of the offence?

In Canada, the statute of limitations for summary conviction offences is indeed six months from the date of the offence. This means that if a person is charged with a summary offence, the prosecution must commence within that six-month period; otherwise, the right to prosecute the offence is lost. This relatively short limitation reflects the less severe nature of summary offences compared to indictable offences, which do not have a strict limitation period and can be prosecuted at any time.

This context is essential as it distinguishes the prosecution timelines for different types of offences and emphasizes the legal framework that governs criminal justice in Canada. Understanding these timelines is crucial for both legal practitioners and individuals facing charges, as it determines the viability of pursuing legal action within the stipulated time frame.