What is an O'Connor application?

An O'Connor application refers specifically to a procedural request made in the context of criminal law, where a party seeks the production of documents from a third party that may be relevant to a legal proceeding. This application is grounded in the principle that access to information can be essential for a fair trial. The concept emerged from a Supreme Court of Canada case, R v. O'Connor, which established the framework for when and how such applications should be made.

In particular, the application enables an accused to request and obtain evidence that is in the possession of third parties, which could potentially be exculpatory or relevant to their defense. This is crucial because it helps ensure that the accused has a full and fair opportunity to present their case by accessing potentially vital documents.

In contrast, the other options represent different legal procedures or concepts. For instance, requesting to disclose records from the crown is a more general request that does not specifically denote the third-party aspect. A motion to exclude evidence pertains to arguing against the admissibility of certain evidence rather than seeking additional documentation. Lastly, a type of plea bargain involves negotiations between the defense and prosecution about the outcome of a case, which is not related to document production or discovery issues that characterize an O'