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PULL OVER PLEASE: WHAT TO DO WHEN THE POLICE STOP YOU.

Lawrie, Brian and Ian McLean.

Toronto, Doubleday, c1985. 125pp, paper, $7.95, ISBN 0-385-23145-8.CIP

Adult
Reviewed by David Chadwick

Volume 13 Number 6
1985 November


I must confess that at first sight I thought this book was not likely to be considered a necessary addition to the bookshelf of the average reader. It seemed to be for those who, lacking sense enough not to drink and drive, or who regularly drove at 120 kilometres per hour in 90 kilometres per hour zones, had the money to concoct defenses. For those with money the book will likely recoup its investment the first time they are caught driving their Porsche at a high speed through a speed trap. For the ordinary Canadian, paying out the $40-$60 plus a demerit point or two will continue to seem more logical than trying to outwit the police in court. Few citizens I know would want to use the advice in the book concerning questioning the training of police, the accuracy of their equipment, how it was calibrated, when it was last tested by the manufacturer or authorized technician, etc.

With the advent of year-round spot checks for drinking drivers, the chances of being pulled over occasionally are bound to increase. Rather than studying this book, the average motorist would be better off simply driving defensively and staying sober. As the book rightly warns, while the Charter of Rights of 1982 can be cited in almost any court case as an excuse, the potential for successful application in most cases is slim.That said, the book is very good in describing courtroom procedures and tactics. Accordingly it will be popular in many libraries for those wanting to know the basics when they do have to appear in court.


David Chadwick, Winnipeg, Man.
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