Slow results of DNA lab impedes court cases

In a recent review of the RCMP's DNA lab results, it is seen that it takes much too long to deliver results, sometimes, even impeding court cases. The study shows that it takes between three to four months for DNA results to come out. When asked why it took so long, they replied with that it was related to pending court dates where results coming after a court date would not be helpful. In recent years, RCMP'S forensic labs have been found to be poorly run and often backlogged. Last May, Mounties announced that they were closing half their labs to trim their budget. This was done in an attempt to make labs more efficient and reduce backlogs. Also, there are no real prioritizing policies in place.

This is related to Law 12 as it deals with forensic analysis, analyzing fingerprints, blood, and DNA. This allows the Crown to prove that the accused is actually the accused through the use of a DNA lab. If there is a way of speeding up the process, I would like for it to be implemented.

Source: News 1130

Tim Cook and the future of Apple

Stating that "wearables are incredibly interesting," Cook, the CEO of Apple Inc. reveals the future of Apple products in relation to wearables. Hinting at future "iProducts," Cook states that the "wrist is interesting," a place for next generation accessories. He anticipates that many new products will come out in the coming months, including the push of the Pebble Smart Watch. However, Cook does not see much appeal with Google's Glasses. He calls them "unfashionable" and "obtrusive."

In the interview, Cook also addressed the criticism his company has received in regards to the exploitation of tax loopholes. To minimize their taxes, Apple has moved parts of their profit to subsidiaries.

This relates to Law 12 as taxes are related to law. Rather than paying taxes in the United States, Apple has chosen to minimize these costs by moving it to foreign places.

Source: CBC

Provincial elections draw near: NDP still on top

After the BC debate on Monday, Christy Clark remains behind Adrian Dix in the polls.  Focusing on growing the economy, Clark answered each question with ease, much like reading from a teleprompter. Adrian Dix, on the other hand, began shaky, but quickly settled in to the debate. Jane Sterk of the Green Party, I believe, was the most successful of the debate. Sterk effectively conveyed her motives if she were to be elected. John Cummins of the Conservative did not say much, and failed to connect with the viewers. The polls coming out of the debate sees a growth to Clark's rating by 3%. However, Clark's main idea in the debate, not wanting to "go back to the 1990s" became cliche, constantly repeated for every answer to the question.

In my opinion, politics is not about who can make a better change in the province or country, but one that can make the least amount of damage. It is well known that politicians lie between their teeth, some examples include introducing the HST, or former NDP leader Carole James saying she will not step down, yet stepping down a mere one week later. Through the years, all leaders have times of joy, times that they have 'revolutioned' the province/country, and other times, times of shame. I believe that we can all agree that Campbell's idea of the HST was not terrible, but implemented in the wrong way. If the NDP win the election occuring on May 14, 2013, I hope that we will not follow in the direction of the 1990s, where nothing happened in a long four years of their reign.

This relates to Law 12 as it demonstrates democracy in Canada. By having a debate, we, the citizens, should be able to learn more about the stance of each leader. However, this year's debate lacked the knowledge, with repetition coming into play. Through learning more about each leader and their individual platforms, we, the citizens, may vote on May 14, 2013, for the new Premier of British Columbia.

Source: Globe and Mail

New BC Family Law Act

Changes have been made to the Family Law Act which affects those involved with divorce, separation or family violence. Protection orders are now included under the criminal code, allowing effective enforcement as police are able to step in quickly. Family violence now includes psychological and emotional abuse.

This relates to Law 12 as Family Law is under Civil Law, a chapter we have studied. In my opinion, this is a step in the right direction as it allows the police to step in quicker, and thus, being able to solve issues. Hopefully, this also lowers the amount of abuse that victims encounter.

Source: The Province

Christy Clark tied for least popular Premier

As the election draws near, new polls show that Clark is dead last, tied with Kathy Dunderdale of Newfoundland, at a mere 25% support from voters. Some say that Clark seems too casual, while others believe she is too formal. Clark's rival, Adrian Dix, is rising on the charts, his rating climbing to almost 50%.

The ethnic voting strategy report that leaked out several weeks ago is seen to be damaging for the Liberals. Many believe that this issue was enough for her to resign. 11% of Liberal supporters thought Clark's handling of the report was poor.

British Columbians are set to vote on May 14th.

In relation to Law 12, this article shows the power of citizens. Poor decisions from the Premier may lead them to be overthrown by the opposition. In a democratic country, we elect who we believe is the best to lead the province. Sadly, Clark has lost this belief from many citizens of British Columbia.

In my opinion, taking on former Premier's Gordon Campbell's role is not easy, especially after the HST debacle. Clark has been put into a vulnerable position, a position she gladly took on as she put herself up for votes to become the leader. She has no one to blame but herself, and her decision to enter into the election in being the leader. From recent polls, I believe that she will not be re-elected as the next premier. However, I am not all that excited for an NDP provincial government. Past years where NDP was leading showed little to no growth in forms of infrastructure. As a minor, all I can do is hope. After all, the whole HST debacle was ridiculous, as the HST not only led to less bureaucrats working, some things are actually cheaper with the HST rather than GST + PST.
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Source: News 1130

Christy Clark and the future of the Liberal Party in BC

In the past several days, the NDP questioned the Liberal's on their approach on conducting a research on winning ethnic votes in the upcoming Provincial election. This research- a 17 page document spread through private addresses may have been made through the use of taxpayer's money. Parts of this document shows that they will apologize for the Chinese Head Tax in hopes of winning the Chinese votes. Calling a quick meeting this past weekend, Clark once again apologized for this document. Following criticism from her own caucus, Clark's position as the leader of the Liberal's is in danger. Shortly after the revelation of this document, Clark's deputy chief of staff resigned. It has been reported that several Liberal MP's have asked Clark to step down. Overall, the Liberal's efforts in gaining ethnic votes has been overturned by the revelation by the official opposition.

This relates to Law 12 as we live in a democratic country. Therefore, Members of Parliament are allowed to resign if they are dissatisfied with their current leader. Also, in the upcoming Provincial election in May, if the citizens of British Columbia decide to go with another leader, they will vote for the appropriate leader.

Source: The Province The Province

A Vision of Crimes in the Future

Social media: Facebook; Twitter; Instagram; Pinterest; and so many more websites lure you into providing copious amounts of personal information. It's not just social media, but even blogs like this one you are reading provide information about the author. From what I write, others are able to gather information as to who I am, and what my views are on certain subjects. This can work to both your advantage and your disadvantage. By making a strong base with nothing to shy away from, social media can be your way to fortune-gaining jobs and opportunities to meet new people and gaining connections. However, it is easy to do the exact opposite. Posting pictures of yourself from a party, or updating your status with an obvious blackmail directed to a company can damage your reputation completely. Just one small mishap, one mishap that cannot be erased for the rest of eternity, can snap the bridge between you, and your next opportunity.

Does it concern me? Of course it does. I'm sure that no one can be absolutely certain that the information posted on their social media profiles cannot offend someone, or be put to use against you. The possibility of people finding you through a simple Google search and uncovering so much more about you that is needed to know concerns the living death of me. Is there something that others should not see? Is this decent for my boss to see, or someone I respect? It is so easy to uncover and "stalk" someone using a simple Google search. For example on Facebook, just looking at previous status updates or pictures tagged of you can show the side of you not seen at school or work. That devious side, or perhaps, a modest side, that some do not know about. This can work to your advantage, but also to your disadvantage.

The idea that others can find out about me through text or graphics causes me to think before I post. Before posting, you must consider the audience that would see what you will post. Is this appropriate?