If you flip over the penny you will see the queens head. She is getting old, so likely, in most of our lifetimes, we will see a kings head stamped on new pennies. Some of my readers might be thinking, so what, the queens head is on the penny, that doesn't make her not a figurehead. We also find the truth in the law. When you go to court for breaking the law you will be hearing from the "crown prosecutor." who prosecutes on behalf of the crown. You'll also find that all our law books are written in the name of "her majesty."
So, where's the definitive proof that she is still our queen? We find it on the official website of the royal family. Where we learn that the queen is above the law, and may never be charged for any offense, whatsoever:
http://www.royal.gov.uk/MonarchUK/Queenandthelaw/HowUKandEUlawaffectTheQueen.aspx
So what's the penalty in Canada for grand treason? Life, according to bill C-46, Protection of Persons in Authority.
(1) Every one commits high treason who, in Canada,
- (a) kills or attempts to kill Her Majesty, or does her any bodily harm tending to death or destruction, maims or wounds her, or imprisons or restrains her;
- (b) levies war against Canada or does any act preparatory thereto; or
- (c) assists an enemy at war with Canada, or any armed forces against whom Canadian Forces are engaged in hostilities, whether or not a state of war exists between Canada and the country whose forces they are.(1) Every one who commits high treason is guilty of an indictable offence and shall be sentenced to imprisonment for life.
- (b) does an act that is intended or is likely to cause bodily harm to Her Majesty,is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years.