Statutory Warrantless Search Powers

This page was last substantively updated or reviewed May 2021. (Rev. # 78738)

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• < Warrantless Searches

General Principles

The Parliament and legislatures of Canada have the ability to pass legislation that permits law enforcement and other agents of the state to warrantless searches. These powers must generally conform to the "reasonable and probable grounds" standard set out in s. 8 of the Charter to be lawful.

Border Searches

• Searches at an International Border

See Also

• Warrantless Seizure Under Section 489 - Section 489 also provides authority for police to seized things for which they reasonably suspect affords evidence to a criminal offence.