Laptop computers differ from their desktop counterparts in a number of important ways. Aside from their sheer size and portability, there are several other important features that might contribute to your decision to buy a laptop or notebook.
One of these features is the power supply. Unlike desktop computers, which need to be plugged into an AC Power outlet at all times, laptops are generally equipped with a rechargeable lithium, nickel-cadmium, or nickel-metal hydride battery, contributing to the obvious benefit of increased portability.
The displays on laptop computers also differs greatly from that of desktops in that they use LCD technology, rather than a picture-tube, to display images on the screen. Although notebook computer displays are generally smaller, and often have a lower screen resolution, they can provide better overall color quality, and are considerably easier on the eyes.
The integration of input devices is another difference commonly associated with laptops. The keyboard is, by definition, built right into the body of the machine, as is some sort of pointing device. This adds to the portability factor, but is in fact a mixed blessing, since a damaged keyboard or touchpad is a much more serious problem on a notebook.
All in all, laptops are designed with different priorities in mind than their desktop cousins. The cost of basic functionality is much higher than that of a desktop computer, yet owning a notebook is now a virtual necessity for a large percentage of business users and other consumers.
Civil Forfeiture and the Standard of Proof
Unlike criminal proceedings, where an accused person must be presumed innocent until proven guilty and only punished once their guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt, civil forfeiture proceedings operate on the balance of probabilities, meaning that the state must merely demonstrate that an individual has probably done something illegal in order to obtain forfeiture of their property.
Democratic Rights: A Broad Charter Guarantee
Democratic Rights, and specifically the right to vote in provincial and federal elections, enjoy broad constitutional protection in Canada, pursuant to Section 3 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This section states that “Every citizen of Canada has the right to vote in an election of the members of the House of Commons or of a legislative assembly and to be qualified for membership therein.”
The Right to Counsel in Canada
Section 10(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms preserves the right of a detained individual to contact counsel immediately upon arrest or detention, and simultaneously imposes a duty upon police to immediately inform individuals that they have this right.
