Say nothing, nothing at all
IANAL (that’s newspeak for I Am Not A Lawyer). However, I Am A Canadian, and I now wish I had studied a minimum of criminal law. You know, just in case.
After feeding on a steady diet of American police drama (cop shows) since an early age, I thought I had the “rights” thing learned. Memorized. Miranda-ized. Going back to 1966, when I had already passed the age of reason, knowing right from wrong, the police in my life had made it clear. Guess I didn’t have many Canadian police to strike a balance.
The Supreme Court of Canada, in a 5-4 ruling, have made it clear. When you are questioned by the authorities, you have no reason to expect legal support staff. Even if you are a lawyer (but better if you are), you have the right to keep quiet. That’s about it.
My contacts with lawyers have been rather mundane. I may have passed one in a shopping centre. There may have been one on the city bus (yeah, right). I did meet with either a barrister or a solicitor when I contracted to buy land (twice does not a wealth of experience make). No arrests. No need to call out for expensive advice with that single phone call (another myth). I’m just not into arrestable activities.
Good thing. I tend to talk too much at times. Now that I have no expectation of advice when the times get tough, I’d better practice saying as little as possible, just in case. Confession is best saved for the occasional visit to a confessional.
