The temptation of provincial criminal law.

Under s.91 (27) of the BNA Act, 1867, the Federal Parliament has the exclusive authority to legislate 'criminal law.' This has not stopped the provinces from passing 'quasi-criminal' laws that are difficult to distinguish from criminal law. Recent legislation regarding 'public fighting' and civil remedies for criminal acts suggest there are few legal obstacles to enacting provincial criminal law. This article identifies such provincial criminal laws, explains how the modern doctrines of federalism might invite and allow for their enactment, and discusses impacts on criminal justice policy and administration. It highlights the discretion afforded the Crown and police in charging individuals under the federal Criminal Code or similar provincial laws (or municipal by-laws). While provincial or local laws may allow for more efficient law enforcement, they do so at the expense of the procedural guarantees associated with the criminal law. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]