DUE PROCESS DENIED

Is Ontario becoming a police state? Of those charged under the new
street racing law, nearly two-thirds of the defendants were found not
guilty, or guilty of lesser charges. Despite this, maximum penalties
had already been imposed and fines levied ("Racing law queried," June
11). Too bad, says the OPP. And now drug-impaired driving laws will
come into effect soon ("Drivers on drugs beware," July 2), though it
has never been determined at what point someone who is on a drug,
prescription or otherwise, is impaired. Unlike the strict blood
alcohol impairment limit, any trace of any drug could result in an
immediate $1,000 fine or mandatory jail time should it be a second
offence. Basic legal rights, such as due process, are being ignored,
and our courts are suspiciously silent.

Adrian Spiering

Oshawa

(Who can keep up with all the McGuinty rules?)