The principle is described as “primary” precisely because it is to be at the forefront of every decision that is made in the context of bail by police and the courts, in this part of the Criminal Code dealing with release of accused by police and courts. The policy behind it is that because of the overcrowding of individuals still awaiting trial—they are considered to be innocent—and although it is already in the case law and already required by the courts, this would give some more emphasis to it and put it as a forefront consideration.
(Amendment negatived [See Minutes of Proceedings])