Reduce pre-trial appearances to cut court backlog: B.C. justice review

VANCOUVER – A review aimed at confronting B.C.’s overburdened justice system will suggest chopping the number of court appearances before an accused goes to trial among its recommendations.

Lawyer Geoffrey Cowper says a speedier flow of justice could be accomplished using technology like video appearances and by implementing deadlines for shorter criminal matters to go before a judge.

Cowper was appointed in February to conduct a wholesale review of the provincial justice system as a monumental backlog of cases has been causing judges to toss them out.

Cowper has conducted more than 100 consultations ranging from individuals within the courts, the Crown branch and the justice ministry to police, academics and victims’ advocates.

He says they’ve offered many creative, concrete suggestions for reform with a wide consensus the process needs to change.

Cowper says he’s still inviting submissions until June 30, while his final report will be submitted before end of July.