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For other uses, see Alibi (disambiguation).

An alibi is a form of defense used in criminal procedure wherein the accused attempts to prove that he or she was in some other place at the time the alleged offense was committed. The Criminal Law Deskbook of Criminal Procedure[1] states: "Alibi is different from all of the other defenses; it is based upon the premise that the defendant is truly innocent." In the Latin language alibī means "somewhere else."

Duty to disclose[edit]

In some legal jurisdictions there may be a requirement that the accused disclose an alibi defence prior to the trial. This is an exception to the rule that a criminal defendant cannot normally be compelled to furnish information to the prosecution. Since the alibi involves evidence of innocence rather than guilt, the privilege against self-incrimination is not implicated.

In Canada, the defence must disclose an alibi defence with sufficient time for the authorities to investigate the alibi, and with sufficient particularization to allow for a meaningful investigation. Failure to comply with the two requirements will result in the court making an adverse inference against the alibi defence (but will not result in the exclusion of the alibi defence).[2]

Conversely, some judges in other jurisdictions have held the opinion that the mandatory early disclosure of alibis is unfair, possibly even unconstitutional.[3]

False alibi[edit]

The giving of a false alibi, beside resulting in possible subsequent criminal offences (obstruction of justice, perjury, etc.), may, in some jurisdictions, result in negative ramifications for the trial itself.

In Canada, the giving of a false alibi may be used by the court as actual evidence of guilt, provided certain requirements are met.[4][5] Specifically:

  • The alibi must not be believed;
  • There is evidence of an intention to fabricate the alibi that is independent from the evidence used to show the alibi is false; and
  • The court must reject all innocent explanations offered that would explain why a false alibi was fabricated.

Alibi agency[edit]

An alibi agency, also called an alibi network,[6] forges explanations for unexcused absences, e.g. due to an extramarital affair or adultery. In other words, alibi agencies are literally paid to lie for their customers.[7] Originating in 1990s Japan, such services appeared in Europe in 2004,[8][9] where they were condemned as immoral by the Catholic Church in Germany.[10] They are the subject of the 2006 movie The Alibi.


  1. ^ 1988; ISBN 0-8205-1217-6
  2. ^ R. v. Cleghorn, [1995] S.C.R. 175 at para. 3
  3. ^ Williams v. Florida, USSC, Dissenting opinion
  4. ^ R. v. Hibbert, [2002] 2 S.C.R. 445
  5. ^ R. v. O'Connor, (2002) 170 C.C.C. (3d) 365 (Ont. C.A.)
  6. ^
  7. ^ Doctorow, Cory. "Pro. Excuse Makers Help You Live A Lie". Boing Boing/Kottke. 11/12/2006. Accessed: 2011-04-18. (Archived by WebCite at
  8. ^ Bonnie Malkin: "Agency offers cheaters £12 alibi", The Daily Telegraph, 12 September 2007
  9. ^ John Hooper: "Infidelity finds a faithful friend in alibi agency", The Age, 14 March 2007
  10. ^ Helen Nugent, Allan Hall: "Now sex cheats can buy an alibi for £800 a day", The Times, 30 August 2004

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