Under section 264.1(1) of the Criminal Code, uttering threats is when a person knowingly utters, conveys or causes any person to receive a threat in any manner. In order to prove the uttering threat charge, the Crown Attorney needs to prove that the accused intended their threat to intimidate or to be taken seriously. For example, a person saying a threat in a jokingly manner would not be found guilty of uttering threats. However, the Crown does not need to prove that the accused person intended to go ahead and carry out the threat. It is not a defence to utter threat charge that the action behind the threat was not carried out or that the threat could not be carried out. The threat can be made “in any manner”. This means that a person does not need to say threatening words. The threat can be written, such as made over a text message, over social media (Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram etc.), or by email. A threatening action or gesture can also be considered as a threat. The Crown Attorney does not need to prove that the threats were conveyed to the intendent person or that anyone was actually intimidated or made fearful as a result of the words uttered. This means that the intended threat does not need to be made directly to a certain person. As long as a person makes the threat in a manner that is intended to be taken seriously or intimated, a finding of guilt can be made.