Pubdate: Fri, 06 Mar 2009
Source: Burnaby Newsleader (CN BC)
Copyright: 2009 Burnaby Newsleader
Contact:  http://www.burnabynewsleader.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1315
Author: Jeff Nagel
Cited: Angus Reid: http://drugsense.org/url/KMsr4ybj
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

MOST BACK GANG CRACKDOWN: POLL

A new poll shows B.C. residents strongly support a series of proposed 
justice reforms to curb gang activity and nearly two-thirds also back 
the legalization of marijuana.

Angus Reid Strategies surveyed Canadians across the country and found 
at least 95 per cent of the B.C. respondents back mandatory minimum 
sentences for serious drug crime like drive-by shootings and 
designating gang-related homicide first-degree murder.

The proposed changes are being spearheaded by the federal 
Conservative government.

The B.C. government's call to loosen evidence disclosure laws to 
allow speedier prosecution of gangsters also got 86 per cent support 
in the province. Another 80 per cent here support eliminating the 
"dead time" credit that gives criminals two-for-one credit for time 
they spend in jail awaiting trial.

Support is weaker for expanded police wiretap powers to intercept 
cellphone conversations and other wireless data transmissions-64 per 
cent in B.C. were in favour, and 60 per cent nationally.

B.C. was the province most likely to back legalization of 
marijuana-64 per cent support the idea, compared to 50 per cent nationally.

Fifty-three per cent from B.C. said the federal Tories shouldn't have 
scrapped the marijuana decriminalization legislation previously 
introduced by the Liberals.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom