View source for Charter Rights: Legal Rights

====The right to remain silent====
An important right under section 7 is the '''right to remain silent''' if you are suspected of a crime. The police cannot force you to answer their questions, but they may continue to ask questions even if you say you do not want to answer.

Although the Charter gives a broad right to remain silent, under some laws, you may be required to identify yourself or give some information — for example, if you are crossing a border into Canada or driving a vehicle stopped by the police.

In some cases, the police may not be clear about a person’s obligation to answer questions. If there’s uncertainty, you should ask the officer if you must answer the questions. Refusing to identify yourself to the police can sometimes create problems. For example, if you won’t identify yourself and do not have identity documents, the police might detain you to learn your true identity. One option is to give your name and date of birth but nothing more, unless the officer says you have a legal duty to give more information.