Urban decoder

Law

While walking in Woodbine Park the other day, I saw an eagle dive-bomb a flock of Canada geese, then fly to perch on a man’s arm. Can this be legal? —Carol McAfee, Don Mills

What’s the procedure when a police officer goes undercover as a prostitute?—Will Cooper, Runnymede

Is it illegal to ride a bike when you’re drunk? —Araminta Mitchell, North York

You often hear about smuggling between Canada and the United States taking place in and around remote border areas. What about just piloting a boat across Lake Ontario from Toronto to New York State (or vice versa)? Ever happen? —Liza Black, Oakwood

What happens to all the drugs, guns and other items seized by police? —Elizabeth Wong, East York

Why was I charged $35 extra on my speeding ticket for a Victim Fine Surcharge?— LIZ VAN HOORN, TRINITY-BELLWOODS

If prostitution is against the law, then how can graphic adult ads in the back of Toronto’s alt-weeklies be legal?—Miriam LaLonde, St. Lawrence Market

Are actors on a Toronto stage allowed to puff on a cigarette if the script calls for it? —Mark Mietkiewicz, Thornhill

Wychwood Park is labelled a private road. What does this mean? Could I get arrested for driving around? —Sally MacRae, Midtown

I almost got run over by an electric scooter. Is there a speed limit for motorized vehicles on the sidewalk? —Zsuzsi Molnár, Upper Beach

What’s the difference between a one-alarm and a four-alarm fire?—Douglas Diarra, St. Lawrence Market

What’s in the boxes that say “For Police Use Only” beneath the platform of each station on the TTC?—Andrew Glenny

What’s the meaning of the different-coloured sashes I see judges wearing? And why do some lawyers wear robes and others don't?— Brooke Holtz, SwanSea

Does a frozen parking meter mean I can park for free?—Julia Kostner, The Annex

Is it illegal to kill a raccoon?—Taryn Swift, Moore Park

I recently got a $180 ticket for running a red on my bike. Is this a new thing?—Bea Henry, Roncesvalles

Is it legal to hang out naked on your boat in Toronto Harbour?—Marc Pettigrew, High Park