| This thesis debates the merits of Bill C-24 and the resulting amendments to Section 25 of the Canadian Criminal Code. Bill C-24 makes it possible for enforcement personnel and other designated officials to pursue investigations without having their actions fall within the scope of criminal law. Two major events, the Supreme Court ruling of R. v. Campbell and Shirose and the increased criminal activities of Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs, significantly influenced the creation of Bill C-24. The controversy surrounding Bill C-24 is examined in relation to victim rights, undercover policing, police corruption, and the lack of measures to guide the use of the powers provided by the bill. The thesis demonstrates that the implementation of Bill C-24 was neither systematic nor well thought through, and as a consequence, the potential areas for misuse of the Bill are many. It concludes with a number of recommendations arguing for stronger internal and external controls, the increased use of measures aimed at curbing police corruption and, finally, the need for future study and research. |
