Resolution Number: A-68

Subject: Amendment to Canon XVIII - Discipline

 

Moved By: (Name) Hon. Ron Stevenson from the Diocese of Fredericton

Seconded By: (Name) Archdeacon David Mercer from the Diocese of Fredericton

Note: The mover and the seconder must be members of the General Synod and be present in the House when the resolution is before the synod for debate.

 

BE IT RESOLVED:

That first reading be given to the Resolution:

That subsection 17 (b) of Canon XVIII be amended to read:

    1. presumed innocent until the commission of the offence by them is proved beyond a reasonable doubt

 

NOTE: SINCE CANON XVIII IS A CANON DEALING WITH DISCIPLINE, THIS AMENDMENT, IF PASSED ON FIRST READING, WILL BE REFERRED TO DIOCESES AND PROVINCES FOR CONSIDERATION, AND WILL REQUIRE PASSAGE AT THE NEXT SESSION OF THE GENERAL SYNOD.

 

EXPLANATORY NOTE/BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

 

This proposal arises from a memorial to the 1995 General Synod from the Diocesan Synod of Fredericton. It would change the burden of proof in disciplinary maters from the civil standard, i.e. on a balance of probability, to the criminal standard, i.e. beyond a reasonable doubt.

 

 

 

Source: Council of General Synod

Submitted by: General Secretary