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Canadian Theatre Chain Sued for Abusive Search

An anonymous reader writes "A Canadian theater chain has been sued for an abusive search for camcording equipment. A Montreal woman is seeking $60,000 in damages for the search, which comes after the Canadian government caved to US pressure and enacted anti-camcording legislation."

10 of 374 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Good Lord. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

    my arse....

    I got a cam of the simpsons movie cos I dont plan to watch it at the cinemas
    but I will buy it....like I have done to alot of cams I've initially watched

  2. Calm Yourselves by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Informative

    This search has nothing to do with the Canadian government but theatre owners. The infamous Bill C-59 (http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publicat ion.aspx?DocId=2993072&Language=e&Mode=1&File=24) is not law yet and gives no additional rights for anyone to search anyone for anything.

    Even if C-59 was passed, which is not likely, no one would ever see jail time over it. Good luck proving an intent to distribute the recording and no judge in Canada would ever put anyone away for even a day for a non-violent offense with a maximum sentence of only 2 years.

    Once again, this is simply theatre owners reacting to intense industry pressure. This is not a story about the oppressive Canadian government.

  3. beat them by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Informative

    I was ejected from a movie theatre after manhandling one of the 14 year old movie drones. he actually reached out and felt a bulge in my vest pocket! (Manitoba btw). I was shocked, first reaction was to shove him into the wall rather hard. Manager came over, got my money back, and was asked to leave.

    Fuck them. start randomly patting down people WITHOUT EVEN ASKING is going to get you hurt.

    1. Re:beat them by davecb · · Score: 2, Informative

      In Canada, you would be the victim of an assault and
      arguably therefor an attempted illegal search, and
      would be free to arrest the culprit, using the minmum
      force you reasonably found necessary to immoblize him
      while waiting for the police.

      --
      davecb@spamcop.net
  4. Re:Use technology to not inconvenience her by PhrostyMcByte · · Score: 4, Informative

    Anyone wondering what he's talking about should check out these examples.

  5. Spiderpig by jamesh · · Score: 2, Informative

    If anyone has seen the trailer they'll know all about spiderpig. There are several clips on youtube too which are just doctored trailer footage.

  6. Well, except you are completely wrong by Sycraft-fu · · Score: 3, Informative

    DVD sales have long ago surpassed theatre sales for where the money is made. Many movies lose at the box office but make it into the back after going out to DVD. Some never get a chance in the theatre but become successful on video all the same (Boondock Saints). Thus far the numbers do NOT bear out that P2P is hurting legit sales. In fact the one and only proper, scientific, peer reviewed study shows no impact (http://www.unc.edu/~cigar/papers/FileSharing_Marc h2004.pdf). This seems to be supported by the fact that despite their crying about rampant piracy, media companies are not only not going out of business, they are posting healthy profits.

    I know that the media industry likes to claim that the evil pirates are killing their business, but thus far the real numbers just don't bare that out.

  7. Re:uhh....wait....what? by omfgnosis · · Score: 2, Informative

    Wait, that's not right. Not at all.

    She would have been denied entry (which she'd paid for) by not "consenting". She didn't "allow" the search, she exercised her right to enter and was subjected to an invasion of privacy.

    Jesus christ. Buying a ticket to a show does not entitle someone to root through my bags. Ever.

  8. Re:Good Lord. by Hatta · · Score: 2, Informative

    Jesus christ, if you're going to post an informative link make sure the content isn't in flash. I was interested, but I can't view that. Don't you have a news article?

    --
    Give me Classic Slashdot or give me death!
  9. Re:Illegal search by SuiteSisterMary · · Score: 2, Informative

    On the other hand, they can make the search a condition of entry. Private property and all that.

    --
    Vintage computer games and RPG books available. Email me if you're interested.