iN DISCUSSION: The ‘cold reality’ of Canada’s justice system

This is where cold hard facts give way to the hottest of takes, mostly mine I suppose. I’m the editor, Marshall Jones.

Want to include yours? Listen, this isn’t the comment section, this isn’t social media. Discussion and debate requires context and a wee bit of bravery — we need your name and where you’re writing from. Build it in your account or email me anytime.

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Taking care of victims not the responsibility of the ‘justice system’

This might sound cold and uncaring, but I feel it must be said.

First, I have nothing but sympathy for Jason Gaudreault. His wife was killed under terrible circumstances, not that there are ever good ones.

He’s thrust before a spotlight. We’re watching him process and grieve and learn. I’m not judging him, just observing his torment as he confronts his own incorrect myths about the “justice system” and what it does and doesn’t do.

It’s not his fault.

One day, he had no idea how police or courts work, no reason to know and thank goodness. The next day, he’s pushed backwards into relying on both for what feels like his life and he’s confronting the reality of what he’s found.

It’s incomprehensible to him. And to all in his position.

You’re absolutely right, Jason, none of this is about you. It’s not about Tatjana Stefanski’s daughters either, nor indeed victims of any crime. 

It is all about the accused.

And that is actually how it should be. It’s a feature, not a bug.

It’s got one job — determining if the government of Canada used the strength of its vast resources appropriately to charge the correct person for the correct crime against the Crown and if so, formulate a plan to best use those same vast resources to reform that offender or hold them against their will.

It’s a lot. And it’s not to be taken lightly.

Victims typically aren’t helpful to that process. 

The Crown and RCMP once had resources to keep families informed, but that’s mostly a courtesy, side of the desk stuff which is first to drop off when stretched thin as we know they are. 

Sure, reforms over the years have forced voices for victims into court, but judges will tell you honestly that most Victim Impact Statements mean absolutely nothing to the analysis of formulating a sentence. 

More hindrance, really. They tend to bring emotion, which again is entirely unhelpful to the process.

That’s just the cold reality. 

If there’s frustration, it might be because we expect too much of it. Taking care of victims is up to the rest of us, not the court system.

That’s my take anyway, what’s yours? Email me at mjones@infonews.ca.

Mj

Marshall Jones

Managing Editor

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iN RESPONSE

Carney, Smith sign pipeline deal, open door to changing B.C. tanker ban

Before everyone gets their knickers in a knot. It’s a memorandum. She will be out of power before they find someone interested in putting up the money, before anyone finds a route etc etc. If this makes her happy and Alberta thinks they’re winning good for them.

— Bonnie Derry via iNFOnews.ca

Dog found in garbage bag at 100 Mile House dump

Absolutely horrific. What that poor dog has gone through. It’s unbelievable that there are people like that out there.

— Peter Boyd via iNFOnews.ca

Summerland animal sanctuary followed avian flu protocol and saved two peacocks

Yes, there’s a right way and wrong way to deal with this situation. No matter whose side you are on the Ostrich farmers did it to themselves and unfortunately for the birds.

— Bonnie Derry via iNFOnews.ca

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Tara Armstrong Recall Countdown

Tara Armstrong is currently the MLA for Kelowna-Lake Country-Coldstream. She rode the coattails of the BC Conservative Party, got elected, then rejected and left the party to serve as an Independent within weeks because the Conservatives were too left wing. Now she gets to spout moronic, hateful rhetoric and claim that her riding supports her.

Elections BC says you can recall an MLA if 40% of eligible voters in the riding sign a recall petition — but not for the first 18 months after an election. Some people started an online petition calling for a byelection once she made a shift to independent, then got herself a raise by forming her own party, but it won’t mean anything until the countdown clock hits zero.

So let the countdown begin!

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Disclaimer: Any views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this page are solely those of the writer and does not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of the editor, iNFOnews.ca, iNFOTEL MULTIMEDIA, its partners, principals or advertisers.