"New justice' is a further erosion of rights in Ontario

'New justice' is a further erosion of rights in Ontario

By Selma Mulvey, Burford
The Hamilton Spectator
(Apr 4, 2006)

Re: 'Is this the new justice? Police say Mike Ricca is a crack dealer. But they've never charged him. Instead, they've gone after his wallet with a law critics say threatens civil rights.' (March 31)

The short answer is "yes." Attorney General Michael Bryant has a habit of violating people's civil rights when it is not possible to convict them of a crime.

While it may be true that "an act like this is rare that encompasses so many constitutional issues at once," it is unfortunately not rare in Ontario.

There is another act that strikes at the core values of the Canadian justice system with respect to "search and seizure, the presumption of innocence, the burden of proof and security of person," and more.

It is also so poorly worded and vague that even those responsible for enforcement fail to understand it, let alone those targeted by it.

I'm talking about the amended Dog Owners' Liability Act, commonly referred to as the "pit bull" ban.

It was passed last year with the acquiescence of both the general public and the press.

Read it and weep for the erosion of democracy in this province and for the innocent citizens who have been criminalized and had their lives ruined for no reason at all.