US EditionSupreme Court of Canada clarifies application of Good Samaritan drug overdose law
The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that immunity under the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects against arrest for simple drug possession, reinforcing legal safeguards for those seeking emergency help.
- The Supreme Court of Canada on Friday upheld Paul Eric Wilson's acquittal, ruling he had immunity under the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act at a Vanscoy overdose scene.
- The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, approved by Parliament eight years ago, shields eligible individuals from simple-possession charges when seeking emergency help.
- At the Vanscoy scene, Paul Eric Wilson was present when a companion who used fentanyl slipped unconsciousness, 911 was called, and an RCMP officer arrived before Wilson was arrested twice but not charged.
- Justice Andromache Karakatsanis wrote that the provision's immunity from charge and conviction necessarily includes immunity from arrest for simple possession, making the initial detention and search unlawful and breaching Charter rights against arbitrary detention and unreasonable search or seizure.
- The Vancouver-based Pivot Legal Society applauded the decision, with Caitlin Shane, a staff lawyer for the group, saying `At a time when governments at every level are continuing to back the deadly war on people who use drugs, we needed a ruling like this`.
29 Articles
29 Articles
The Supreme Court ruled that good Samaritans seeking help in the event of overdose could not be arrested for possession of drugs.
The Chronicle-Journal
Good Samaritan law provided immunity to man arrested at overdose scene: Supreme Court
OTTAWA - The Supreme Court of Canada has affirmed the acquittal of a man who was arrested at the scene of a drug overdose, saying he had immunity under a law intended to reduce the number of substance use deaths.
Supreme Court of Canada affirms Sask. man's acquittal in use of Good Samaritan law
The Supreme Court of Canada has affirmed the acquittal of a man who was arrested at the scene of a drug overdose, a ruling that clarifies the application of a law intended to reduce substance use deaths.
Supreme Court of Canada clarifies application of Good Samaritan drug overdose law
OTTAWA — The Supreme Court of Canada has affirmed the acquittal of a man who was arrested at the scene of a drug overdose, a ruling that clarifies application of a law intended to reduce substance use deaths. Parliament approved the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act eight years ago to help save lives from the […]
Good Samaritan Overdose Act upheld in Canada’s highest court
photo supplied D. Gordon E. Robertson A law put forward by a local MP was recently tested in the highest court of the land. The legality of the arrest and subsequent conviction of Paul Eric Wilson hinged on the Supreme Court of Canada’s interpretation of the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act. Introduced and sponsored by Coquitlam-Port Coquitlam MP Ron McKinnon, the act attempts to take away the threat of arrest for witnesses who either stay on th…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 75% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
