- James Morton: Defining 'detention' is about more than semantics
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You are approached on a busy street by a young person holding a clipboard. He says to you, "Hello, I'd like a few minutes of your time." Do you stop and chat? Maybe you do, but perhaps you just smile, shake your head and walk on.
Now imagine the same scenario, except that rather than being approached by a young person holding a clipboard, you are approached by a police officer. In this case, you wouldn't dream of just smiling and continuing on your way -- the reasonable Canadian will always stop.
But a staple of television crime shows provides a contrasting scenario. A police officer asks someone for information about a crime. Rather than politely doing as he has been asked, the subject bolts, leading to an exciting chase and, usually, a triumphant police officer catching a criminal. It's a good thing that most Canadians don't choose this option. The police, after all, are there to protect society, and so it is appropriate to co-operate with them.
An Internet Fisherman who uses barbless hooks and this one dimensional world as a way of releasing the frustrations of daily life. This is my pond. You are welcome only if you are civil and contribute something to the ambiance. I reserve the right to ignore/publish/reject anon comments.
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