"Canadian law for dummies?" (lawyer, American, federal)

[mishigas73]

Ok, I know this may be a weird question, but I'm sort of desperate at this point.

Is there anyone around who knows a website that gives basic, RELIABLE information regarding Canadian law? I have an issue regarding criminal law and general jurisdictional issues. (This has to do with Brisitsh Columbia.)

I know, full well, as an "American lawyer" that there are few simple answers, but I'd just like to be able to find a site that gives a run-down, or links to specific laws and court decisions.

I know that I can check google, but I'd like to know if there's a site out there that either people have used or have heard is reliable.

Thanks!

[Cornerguy1]

Most Canadian federal criminal offences are contained within the Criminal Code of Canada.

Try the following 2 sites:

CanLII

Electronic Frontier Canada -- www.efc.ca



.

[mishigas73]

Thanks so much!

[mishigas73]

UGH...here's what I get when I search BC law on the CanII site:

• British Columbia legislation is not published by CanLII at this time because of the policy of the government to restrict publication of its current unofficial consolidation to a subscription service called...

Figures, right?

All I want to know is the law regarding "the ability of the Crown" to get me to either testify (or, more likely just give a statement), if I'm not a Canadian citizen. I'm, unfortunately, involved with someone who has gotten into trouble, and it's pretty apparent that the RCMP (as the local police in his city) are trying to track me down.

I have no issues with speaking to law enforcement, but I'd just like to know what I'm getting into with it, and what their rights (and mine) are about it.

I'm prepared to be served with papers when I try to come through the border....LOL. I just want to know what happens after that. Just the lawyer in me coming through...

[rosie50]

Have you tried "e-Laws"? Don't know if it will help but it has quite a bit of info.

[mishigas73]

Thanks Rosie. I'll definitely check it out. My friend spoke to his lawyer today, and hopefully he will have some good news for me tonight. Gah, I just hate not knowing what's going on.