So, let me understand, the obvious groups -- law enforcement, Crown Prosecutors, Corrections Officials and Court Staff -- have access to a justice online system allowing them to check for things such as warrants, court dates, criminal records and other justice related information -- and other less obvious groups such as charity organizations working in the justice system do as well. It is even rumored that some judges have access. Interestingly, Criminal Defence Lawyers, tasked with the responsibility of defending clients do not?
Now, it is reported that Lottery Officials have access as well.
http://www.calgarysun.com/news/canada/2009/07/23/10230586-sun.html
As reported in the Calgary Sun: "Lottery officials tipped off police after coming across the warrant through the standard investigation jackpot winners undergo".
The question is, how many groups have been endowed with access to such information? It is one thing for a member of the public to do a criminal record check. A criminal record is public document. But a warrant check? That takes a different level of informational access.
If it is true that Lottery officials have access to such information, then who else? And when it comes to the private lives of citizens, how accessible should such information be? It is one thing to go to your local courthouse and check on a criminal record, but in my view it is completely another to have that data -- and a host of other data -- readily available on your desktop computer. If that is true, I have concerns.
Even if people or groups go to the police to check information, how much information should your local constabulary reveal?
These are wicked, questionable little questions....
David G. Chow
Calgary Criminal Defence Lawyer
http://www.calgarydefence.com/
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