Job Summary

The Bylaw Court Prosecutor is responsible for prosecuting charges laid under various municipal bylaws and provincial statutes. This role involves managing the entire court process, from knowledge of procedures used in investigating and laying charges, intake of prosecutions from other departments, preparation of case for trial, questioning and cross-examining of witnesses, delivery of legal arguments to a Justice of the Peace, and post-trial procedures. The Bylaw Court Prosecutor works collaboratively as part of a team in the City Solicitor's Office and with bylaw enforcement staff, court staff and other employees to ensure fair, efficient, and lawful proceedings in bylaw court. This position includes professional responsibilities under an external appointment as an Agent of the Crown by the Attorney General of Saskatchewan and a limited licence to practice from the Law Society of Saskatchewan

Duties & Responsibilities

Case Management

• Review requests for prosecution, police reports, evidence and witness statements to determine the sufficiency of evidence and validity of proceeding with charges
• Determine strategy to prosecute the offence
• Arrange for subpoenas and witnesses
• Prepare required legal documents, disclosure packages and relevant case law
• Maintain accurate records of case progress and outcomes
• Organize files and workload to meet court deadlines
• Negotiate plea bargains as required

Courtroom Representation

• Prosecute case in municipal bylaw court
• Present evidence, examine and cross-examine witnesses, and make legal arguments on behalf of the City of Saskatoon before a Justice of the Peace
• Make representations to sentencing on behalf of the City of Saskatoon

Court Process Oversight

• Coordinate court schedules, docket management, and case flow with other staff
• Ensure timely filing of documents and compliance with procedural rules
• Monitor and improve court processes to ensure efficiency and fairness

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Communicate with accused individuals to explain and discuss charges
• Liaise with bylaw enforcement staff, defence counsel, and other representatives
• Provide advice to municipal departments on enforcement and prosecution matters
• Provide training to municipal departments on enforcement and prosecution matters
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop and implement policies and process relating to prosecution matters

Legal Compliance and Policy

• Stay current with changes in legislation, case law and prosecutorial standards
• Advise on municipal bylaw drafting and enforcement strategies
• Ensure ethical standards are maintained in prosecution matters

Qualifications

• Graduation from a two year post-secondary program in a justice or legal related field, and four to six years' relevant experience in a law related field such as law enforcement, prosecutions, or court processes. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• Ability to be appointed as an agent of the Crown by the Attorney General of Saskatchewan.
• Eligible to be appointed a limited licensee by the Law Society of Saskatchewan.
• Demonstrated ability dealing with the public, often in very difficult circumstances.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, civic officials, police officers, animal control wardens, commissionaires and various civic departments, and bylaw enforcement staff.
• Demonstrated ability to act in a courtroom including presentation of evidence, cross-examination
• Demonstrated ability to articulate complex legal matters in a court.
• Demonstrated experience in areas such as administering court processes, prosecutions or related fields.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and the ability to manage a case load independently.
• Thorough knowledge of Provincial Court procedures, including what constitutes a charge, how to lay a charge, the evidence which must be called, and when a charge should be withdrawn.
• Thorough knowledge of municipal bylaws and relevant Provincial statutes.
• Ability to work in a team of legal professionals and coordinate effectively with other members of the team in the City Solicitor's Office.
• Ability to work independently, to identify priorities, to work to court deadlines and to adjust to the various competing demands of the job.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.