Witnesses can be forced to testify - Canada

[dArKeR]

Ottawa — The Supreme Court of Canada ruled Wednesday that reluctant witnesses can be forced to testify in hearings in the fight against terrorism In a 6-3 decision, the court said the hearings do not contravene the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The case stemmed from the Air-India trial in British Columbia.

The Supreme Court has been grappling with the issue of whether the hearings, which have been allowed under anti-terrorism legislation, violate the charter.

http://theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20040623.wwitn0623/BNStory/National/

[BiggJawn]

1. All Terra, ALL the TIME!

TERRA! TERRA! TERRA!!!!

So when will history be revised to show that the "War Against Terra"(tm) actually started in a Munich beer hall in 1923?

"Rights be DAMNED!!! We're fightin' TERRA here! (it's terra season, y'know!)"

So much for me thinking Canadians were smarter than Murkans.

[hang a left]

2. I hope this is not a precursor to

our own Supreme Court rulings expected any day now.

[geek tragedy]

3. Testifying was an option before?

I'm not sure I understand--witnesses have the right to refuse to testify in Canada?

[CHIMO]

4. Supreme Court ruling means wife of convicted bombmaker may give evidence

OTTAWA - The fight against terrorism trumps the reluctance of a witness to testify in a hearing, the Supreme Court of Canada said on Wednesday, in a ruling that could have a direct impact on the Air India trial.

The high court issued a 6-3 ruling, saying the hearings allowed under the Anti-terrorism Act do not contravene the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The ruling means a witness at the Air India trial can't refuse to testify about the 1985 airliner bombing.

http://www.cbc.ca/stories/2004/06/23/canada/airindia040623