Hunter V. Southam Case Ana

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Naived Sanjiv Thaker Naived Sanjiv Thaker Hunter v. Southam Inc Charter Case Report Hunter v. Southam Inc Charter Case Report Hunter v. Southam Inc Hunter v. Southam Inc was one of the first high profile supreme court cases to shed light on the purpose and execution of section eight of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms which states that "everyone has the right to be secure against unreasonable search or seizure." On April 16th 1982 The Combines Investigations Branch of the federal government searched the files and paperwork of the Edmonton Journal and seized all of its business files. The journal was informed that the sole reason for this action was that there was to be an “Inquiry relating to the Production, Distribution and Supply of Newspapers and Related Products in Edmonton.” The Combines Investigative Branch refused disclose any other reasons for the search which occurred just two days after the charter had been proclaimed as being in full force and effect. The CIB had legislative authority under the Combines Investigative Act to issue search warrants to its employees. The government argued that the search had been executed through the combines investigative act which had been issued through the authority of the parliament, and that the authority was rightfully exercised. The Edmonton Journal argued that the search violated every legal concept as well as the newly issued charter of rights and freedoms which had been enacted to protect the people of Canada. The Supreme Court of Canada unanimously agreed that the search and seizure conducted under the Combines Investigative Act clearly violated section eight of that charter. Justice Dickson wrote for a unanimous judgment stating that “A statute defines present rights and obligations. It is easily enacted and as easily repealed. A constitution, by contrast, is drafted with an eye to the

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