JUSTICE SERVED ... OR NOT

When it comes down to our legal system, there are times when we all shake
our heads wondering exactly whether the law works for or against us.

Four years ago, near Moosomin, RCMP discovered a stashload of cash and
over a million dollars worth of marijuana in a big rig which had been
randomly stopped for a safety check. Two truck drivers were charged. Both
were acquitted on drug and proceeds of crime charges. After all, their
rights had been violated because police had conducted a search without a
search warrant. Here's where we give our heads a shake.

Last week, an appeal court voted 2-1 to overturn that acquittal. Here's
where we say, thank goodness somebody's thinking straight, well at least 2
out of 3 are.

So, the question is, were their rights violated? Do you agree with the
judge who acquitted them or the appeal court who overturned that ruling?
Is there such a fine line here that police can wobble over it without even
knowing they've crossed it, or is the law just a little too gray in cases
like this?

What is unreasonable search? Could police search any person/any place/any
time with no reason?

In a totally different case, I was interested in hearing the story of one
of the men accused in the killing of the four RCMP officers at
Mayerthorpe.

Based on what he said during a television interview, if he spoke the
truth, you have to wonder if there are times when what appears to be cut
and dried is really far from it.

This young man asks the question ... what should he have done when an
armed and intimidating person (James Roszko) came knocking on his door,
asking for a gun Roszko knew he had and a ride to his residence, all while
this young man's wife and two young children were 'within arm's reach.' In
hindsight, there may have been a million options; at the time, though,
there may have been none clearly visible. What seems like a black and
white case, in this story, suddenly looks quite different when heard from
a different perspective with some of the "untold" portions revealed.

When justice is truly served, only then can we feel confident in the laws
of the land. When it is not, things just don't sit right with us, do they?