Although several police forces have said they could lay charges in FHRITP cases — including mischief and causing a disturbance — whether that results in an actual conviction doesn’t matter, a criminal lawyer says.
It’s ultimately a matter of deterrence.
Criminal law is often a blunt instrument when it’s used to address social issues, said Michael Spratt,
a partner at Abergel Goldstein & Partners in Ottawa.
“Despite the deplorable conduct here, I think there’s a good argument to say that there shouldn’t be criminal charges because criminal law should be applied cautiously and with restraint,” he said.
It should only be used as a last resort, Spratt said.
Full Article at: CBC
