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“I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind.” ~~ John G. Diefenbaker

BC Prosecution Service’s policy manual for Crown counsel on bail illustrates how entrenched the preference is for releasing people on bail whenever possible (Times Colonist)

There are volumes of legal and political arguments about the concept of bail, but where it all lands at ground level is in the BC Prosecution Service’s policy manual for Crown counsel.

The eight-page directive on bail, refreshed three weeks ago, illustrates how entrenched the preference — more like the legal requirement — is for releasing people on bail whenever possible.

It will have to be completely rewritten if the latest federal bid to restrict bail becomes law. That will amount to a big change in mindset.

The Criminal Code is federal law, but the provincial prosecution service administers it ...

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