Signals on pre crime and peace bonds - today I’m looking at the spate of online harms bills in general - and Canada’s one in particular- that beg us to question some of our deepest ideas of democracy and liberal society.
Canada’s bill in progress makes provision for “peace bonds” (restraining orders, with provision for house arrest and ankle monitors) to pre-punish (prevent) people suspected of being likely to commit a hate crime (very broadly defined by the bill as pretty much any form of discrimination or call to violence) before any such crimes (even according to the bill) have actually been committed or proven to be committed.
Should punishments be preventative (dished out before the crime to prevent the crime)? Or is “innocence before proven guilty” an inalienable human right worth preserving?
What rights should we give up to prevent possible harm (physical or emotional) of others?
I’d love to hear your thoughts.
More on this soon. Otherwise - welcome to the very safe future!
Read more :
Do no harm : https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/news/2024/02/backgrounder--government-of-canada-introduces-legislation-to-combat-harmful-content-online-including-the-sexual-exploitation-of-children.html
Skeleton key laws : https://whatthefuturenow.com/2021/11/02/skeleton-key-laws/
First, do no harm