Fine Line
Is it a crime to take a person's bicycle without asking permission?
Yes, this is considered theft. You are intentionally taking something that does not belong to you without the owner's permission.
Is it a crime to injure someone else?
Yes, that would be assault.
Do your parents have to pay you allowance for doing your chores at home?
No, you parents do not have to pay you for doing chores. This is a custom some families have.
No, your neighbours may file a noise complaint and the police will follow up with you.
Is it a crime to email someone pretending to be someone else?
Yes, it is considered fraud.
Is it a crime to threaten someone else?
Yes it is against the law to utter threats, it is also considered an assault if the person really believes that the other person has the ability to injure them.
Is it a crime to write on property at school? (i.e. walls, your desk?)
Yes, this is considered vandalism or mischief.
Can a store sell cigarettes to someone who is under 19 years old?
No, it is against the law to sell cigarettes to anyone under the age of 19.
Is it a crime to plan a crime with another person even if you do not carry it out?
Yes, this is considered conspiracy to commit a crime.
Is it a crime to cross the street in the middle of the road instead of at the corner or at a crosswalk?
Yes, this is called jaywalking.
When riding your bike, do you have to wear your helmet?
Yes, it is illegal to ride your bike without a helmet.
Can a person between the ages of 12 and 17 be charged with breaking the law?
Yes, they can be charged with breaking the law, but since they are under the age of 18 they will be dealt with under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Is it a crime if you know someone is committing a crime, you do not help them, but they do it alone?
Yes, you are considered an accomplice in some situations.
Do you have to wear a seat-belt when riding in a car or a truck?
Yes, by law you MUST WEAR A SEAT-BELT.
If you do not like going to school, can you can just stop going and stay home?
No, you must attend some sort of school until you are 16. Whether that is home school, alternative school, private school, or public school.
Are you allowed to have marijuana in your possession?
In BC, if you are over the age of 19 you may use or possess marijuana within certain parameters.
Is it a crime to keep a ring you found on the street?
Yes. You can only keep property that you find if it is obvious that the owner has left it for someone else to take (labelled "free"). Bonus points: What should you do?
If there is no one around, and you are driving or on a bike, do you have to stop at a stop sign?
Yes, you must ALWAYS stop at a stop sign while driving or on a bike.
If you are renting your home, can your landlord evict you at any time?
No, by law your landlord has to give you at least 2 months notice. UNLESS, you have not been paying rent and there is a clause in your rental agreement.
No, any large gatherings are considered unsafe at this time and you will be fined for organizing such an event OR attending such an event.