Just remember that a corpse is less likely to sue than an injured person.
I don't play a lawyer on TV.
Heck, I didn't even stay at a Holiday Express Inn last night.
But if you think you have an airtight defense against a prosecutor in a court of law, then booby-trap away!
So in Canada that translates to out on bail in 24hrs and 6months probationAs for OP's question about the legality of booby traps intended to cause harm in Canada, the answer is no.
The law is pretty clear:
- 5 years imprisonment just for setting the trap
- 10 years imprisonment if the trap does cause harm
- life in jail if the trap causes death
You may believe your booby-trap is harmless if all it does is cause a loud noise or emit a foul odor, but if the person panics as a result, has a heart attack, or trips and falls and gets injured or dies, a moderately competent lawyer will find it quite easy to have your nuts in a sling.
Even in US States where there are Castle Doctrine laws on the books, booby-traps are still considered illegal due to the potential harm it causes to innocent bystanders like helpful neighbours moving your package, kids or pets.
No, the people with the harshest penalties are those that attempt to do the job the police refuse to do. Barrie police have an open policy of refusing to investigate property crime. They give you a report number and tell you to call insurance. Case closed. If you set a trap for the thief, I have no doubt that a full investigation would be conducted, charges laid and likely a conviction and criminal record in your future. The thief will not even be charged. The cops know that courts will release 100% of them in hours so it's not even worth filing the charge.
Makes defending the police seem reasonable, doesn't it? We won't do anything to protect you, and we'll make sure you don't do anything to protect yourself either.
S S S.........looking better every day
But if a fellow members possessions are purloined they will move heaven and earth to get justice.
