"Sections 4 to 45 of the Criminal Code set out many of the general rules and principles that apply when a person is charged with a Criminal Code offence or an offence under another federal statute. These sections are in Part 1 of the Criminal Code, which is known as the "General Part".

This consultation paper provides information on some key ideas and issues that are central to the development of a new General Part of the Criminal Code. Specific questions are raised for your consideration at intervals through the paper. These are intended to help focus the consultation." Foreword p. iii