Pubdate: Wed, 03 Apr 2002
Source: Province, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2002 The Province
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouver/theprovince/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/476
Author: Chris Donald
Note: Headline provided by Newshawk.
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/raids.htm (Drug Raids)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

STUPIDITY OF ZERO-TOLERANCE

Here's What You Said About: School That Suspended Student Whose Jacket 
Smelled Of Pot

I have seen no better indictment of the stupidity of zero-tolerance drug 
policies than the story about a teenager being suspended from school on the 
say-so of a dog -- and no drugs were found. A canine jury pronouncing guilt 
is certainly a novel approach to jurisprudence. But will it really stand up 
to a Charter challenge?

I can think of no better way to teach teenagers utter contempt for the law 
than with such obviously arbitrary and unjust actions. Are they students or 
prisoners? I hope that boy and his parents sue the asses off both the 
principal and the school board. They certainly deserve it. Welcome to the 
21st century, kids. Repeat after me: You are guilty until proven innocent, 
you are guilty until proven innocent ...

Chris Donald,

Dartmouth, N.S.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom