Google Inc. (GOOG): Arrested Have Right to Search, Judge Says

Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) has now become an alternative to Thomas Edison’s premier invention when it comes to those who are in the pokey. At least, that is the opinion of one judge in Canada, who ruled that a suspect was not granted the “proper” opportunity to access legal counsel.

“You have the right to one Google Search.”

Google Inc. was at the fore of a decision by a Canadian judge, who said that those who are under arrest should be granted internet access while at a police station in order to conduct a search for an attorney on Google. Judge H.A. Lamoureaux of the Alberta provincial court made the decision in the case of Christopher McKay, who was arrested to driving while impaired at the age of 19. When McKay was given the opportunity to contact an attorney, he made one phone call, which was unsuccessful, then sat back down because he thought he was only allowed one call – as has been portrayed in the media, according to his later testimony.

McKay revealed in the hearing that he did not consider the 411 information service “a viable search engine,” admitting that if he was to look up something he would use Google Inc. Search instead of a phone book or 411 information. In Lamoureaux’s ruling on this subject, he wrote, “We are at an unprecedented time in human history. … (The) vast majority of individuals born after the year 1980 first look to the virtual world for information.” He continued that because Mr. McKay was not afforded access to the internet, “(he) was not given a reasonable opportunity to exercise his right to access a lawyer.” He added that all police stations should have computers and internet available to those in custody as part of a person’s right to obtain legal advice.

What do you think? Should Google Inc. be granted as a right to those in police custody? Is this an indication of the evolution of communications? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

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