Criminal code of canada opening mail

A very specific and interesting topic!

In Canada, the Criminal Code of Canada (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-46) regulates the opening of mail and other forms of communication. Here are some key provisions:

Section 184: This section deals with the unauthorized opening of mail. It states that:

"Every one who, without the consent of the addressee, opens or causes to be opened any letter, postcard, package, or other written communication that is addressed to that person, or to any other person, is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years."

Section 184.1: This section deals with the unauthorized opening of electronic messages. It states that:

"Every one who, without the consent of the addressee, intercepts or causes to be intercepted any electronic message that is addressed to that person, or to any other person, is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years."

Section 487: This section deals with the power of peace officers to seize and search mail. It states that:

"A peace officer who has reasonable grounds to believe that a letter, postcard, package, or other written communication contains evidence of the commission of an offence may, without a warrant, seize the communication and search it."

Section 492.1: This section deals with the power of peace officers to intercept electronic messages. It states that:

"A peace officer who has reasonable grounds to believe that an electronic message contains evidence of the commission of an offence may, without a warrant, intercept the message and search it."

It's important to note that these provisions are subject to certain limitations and exceptions, such as the requirement for a warrant in certain circumstances, and the need to respect the privacy rights of individuals.

In summary, the Criminal Code of Canada prohibits the unauthorized opening of mail and electronic messages, and provides peace officers with the power to seize and search mail and intercept electronic messages in certain circumstances.