Pubdate: Fri, 26 Dec 2003
Source: New Westminster Newsleader (CN BC)
Copyright: 2003 New Westminster Newsleader
Contact:  http://www.newwestnewsleader.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1297
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

COURT SHOULD NOT DEFINE POT LAWS

The Supreme Court of Canada's verdict on marijuana possession should
be welcomed by the Canadian public, regardless of how people feel
about the drug.

This week the court said it was not unconstitutional for someone to be
charged with a small amount of marijuana, despite an argument from
three men that the law denies them the right to "life, liberty and
security of the person."

Instead, the court ruled that it if changes were needed to country's
marijuana laws, those changes should come from federal government.

And that's how it should be.

There is little doubt our marijuana laws are due for an overhaul.
Prime Minister Paul Martin has made it clear he feels that criminal
convictions for small amounts of the drug are too harsh. But he'd also
like to see stiffer penalties for the larger amounts, arguing it is
with the major growers and distributors that the real crime exists.

That's a worthwhile debate Canadians should have. But that debate
should take place within Parliament. It should not be the role of the
court to decide on the acceptability of minor pot possession. If there
is sufficient public support, the laws will change. Until that time,
the courts should enforce the laws that the people's representatives
have created.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin