Question of Privilege
September 4, 1973
Freedom from molestation
Hon. Lucien Lamoureux
Speaker of the House
Ruling Text
There is no doubt that Members should not be placed in a position where, in their absence from their offices, representatives of the police without any authority could enter the offices and question their staff.
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Holding
"A prima facie case of privilege exists when police, without a warrant or other legal authority, enter a Member's parliamentary office and question their staff, as this may constitute a breach of the Member's freedom from molestation."
AI Summary
In a landmark 1973 ruling, the Speaker established that unauthorized police entry into an MP's office constitutes a prima facie breach of parliamentary privilege.
AI Analysis
- Outcome
- Sustained
- Tone
- Stern
- Procedural Stage
- Question of Privilege
- Significance
Low
High
AI Keywords
Cited Authorities
- Erskine May (18th)