Can there be a better argument for a free and diligent media?
During the last several months, reporters at the major dailies have been reporting on serious criminal charges that have been stayed due to court delays.
Think of it. People who could well be guilty of heinous crimes will escape justice simply because the system cannot handle their case. Short of court space, short of judges, short of prosecutors - whatever the combination, it is appalling.
Finally, Premier Christy Clark says she is frustrated with growing delays in B.C. courts and launches a five-month review to determine how her government can make the justice system more efficient. This coming from the same person who wanted to waste precious court time broadcasting hockey hooligans.
Of course, the president of the Canadian Bar Association, B.C. branch said the problem is funding. A system that has been underfunded for years is finally starting to wear out.
The president of the B.C. Crown Counsel Association said there are currently 2,500 cases over 18 months old (the point at which charges could be stayed). He also said there are another 5,000 cases as of five months ago that were between 12 and 18 months old. There is clearly no time to spare.
We agree with Premier Clark that the problem cannot be solved with just more money. But that is surely a large part of the solution.
The Liberals, understandably, may not want to put any money into ensuring justice is done. But we will all be paying a higher price when those who should be kept off the streets are walking free simply because the system can't handle the cases.
