From the equality of rights springs identity of our highest interests; you cannot subvert your neighbor's rights without striking a dangerous blow at your own. Carl Schurz

Saturday, November 19, 2011

A Life Sentence For A Minor Offense

There has been much written on the perils of bill C-10 and the increasing criminalisation of everyday life, but one aspect that I feel hasn't received the attention it deserves is the effect that a criminal record has on ones ability to find gainful employment or for that matter employment of any type. Thanks to sites such as Backcheck,



the low cost and ease with which employers can check out a job applicants criminal record and much,much more means that even some minimum wage menial labour jobs now require a criminal background check. But the lasting effects of a criminal record go far beyond limiting ones job and earning prospects,a record means one cannot easily travel abroad,it means that you likely can never volunteer to coach your children's sports team or volunteer at their school. Who knows how much further they will take this ostracization of those saddled with a criminal record.

Coupled with the changes to the pardons system this could in effect mean a life sentence for the simple act of passing a joint to your friend.

4 comments:

  1. I should have also added that merely being charged with a criminal offense even if one is subsequently acquitted negatively affects your ability to find employment

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  2. I should have also added that merely being charged with a criminal offense even if one is subsequently acquitted negatively affects your ability to find employment

    I remember a US study that proved this. Just being "in the system" - the very first step in a process that is supposed to presume your innocence - was enough. Even if the charges were ultimately dropped or found completely baseless.

    But apparently being charged with a crime is not enough to prevent one from being elected mayor of Canada's largest city.

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  3. Nor has being convicted stopped Conrad Black from finding employment. This agenda isn't directed at marginalising the uppercalss,besides why do that to one of your own.

    No this is about creating an underclass of cheap and exploitable labour the likes of Ford and Black can use and abuse

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  4. once you had committed crime even f it is just minor offense it will surely appear once you are being background check. But now by means of criminal record expungement you can clear your record ask for your lawyer about this.

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