The World Wide Web and the Constitution of Canada

This paper discusses the problem of better control of the use of the World Wide Web by narrowing the Canadian Freedom of Expression code.

This paper explains that freedom of speech, from a Canadian standpoint, allows for the open expression of beliefs, while at the same time cautioning people to use sound judgment in their attempt to exercise that right. The author points out that Internet transmissions can be judged and ruled on in court using the same criteria and decision-making process, which is used for non-Internet freedom of speech questions and cases. The paper suggests that the Canadian Government, in regard to its freedom of speech and the World Wide Web, needs to clearly define the meaning of a hate speech and to legislate how the laws will be applied.

Table of Contents
Introduction
The Question
Freedom of Speech
Canada
Proposals
Conclusion
“Another important case was that of Joe Howe who argued his right to freedom of speech in the press against the Canadian government. He was acquitted of the criminal charges brought against him but it did not clear the way for Internet freedom of speech that would not be justifiable in its content. Canada currently has a list of laws that restrict publication that defies the voice of Canadian authority. Lately, Canadian university administrators have been especially prone to accept censorship, but they made a strategic blunder when they rushed to delete the Usenet group alt.fan.karla-homolka.”