Criminal Justice in Canada – We Are Now Presumed Guilty

I’ve seen enough tv to know that we are all presumed innocent until proven otherwise. I’ve also read the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and it’s pretty clear. Here is the exact text:

11. Any person charged with an offence has the right

(d) to be presumed innocent until proven guilty according to law in a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal;

Sadly the Parolee Board of Canada, under new direction implemented by the Conservative government, doesn’t see it that way.

Raed Jaser had his pardon revoked before a trial has even had a chance to get started. Regardless of how you feel about Mr. Jaser and his past criminal offences (which are rather minor in comparison to what he’s currently been charged with) you should be outraged when a man can be assumed guilty by default.

You may never have been charged with a crime but if it ever happens I can assure you the presumption of your innocence will suddenly become very important.

Below is an article from Macleans. Mr. Jaser’s lawyer has filed with federal court to have this decision overturned. It’s worth a read.

Macleans Article