our charter of rights and freedoms took a big hit when a judge recently allowed evidence obtained in an illegal search (we are supposed to have the right to not be subject to unreasonable search and seizure)

the story is this... dudes driving from van to T.O, with a tunk full of cocaine... alberta plate (alberta only requires one plate). OPP pulls dudes over in northern ontario for only having one plate. cop discovers guy doesnt have a valid license (can ya get any dumber?) and arrests him for driving without a license. the cop still does not have the right to search the vehicle, but he does. BAM! trunk o coke.

the judge ruled that the severity of the case outweighs the personal freedoms in question. im not sure if that sets the law for all common law provinces (x-pq), or just ontario (where the case was), but that means that now illegally obtained evidence may be admissable if it outweighs personal freedom. so now your gonna have cops goin search crazy knowin if they find something big they can get it into court.

slippery slope here folks. the charter of rights and freedoms is a very important document, and i encourage all canadians to write your local mp (that what we do up here), and demand it be respected.