Pubdate: Mon, 14 Sep 2009
Source: Chronicle Herald (CN NS)
Copyright: 2009 The Halifax Herald Limited
Contact:  http://thechronicleherald.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/180
Author: Robert M. Tuttle

ILLOGICAL LAWS

Interpretation of the law sometimes defies logic or explanation. So, 
a couple, apparently under the influence of alcohol, gets stopped and 
during the search, an illegal quantity of an addictive drug is 
discovered. That possession charge is thrown out because the search 
was for booze.

What if a body had been found? Would a murder charge get thrown out 
because the search was only for open alcohol? This is not a stretch; 
they are both criminal offences.

The officer was lucky enough to nail an offender this time and take 
some drugs off the street. Except, the offender probably got them 
back with the blessing of the court.

I suggest that a nice pamphlet, listing every criminal offence known 
to mankind, should be handed out the next time a search is necessary 
anywhere. Then people could not get away with such blatant disregard 
for the law.

Alternatively, the applicable laws could be amended so that the 
justice system does not look so stupid.

The Charter has failed decent, law-abiding people once again.

Robert M. Tuttle,

Pugwash Junction
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom