Judge speeds up domestic violence trials

Domestic violence cases will have its own time slot in Penticton, Kamloops and Kelowna provincial courts. The hope is to speed up the process in which these cases are handled.

Vancouver Chief Judge Thomas Crabtree ruled there was a need to address trial uncertainty, to get cases completed sooner and provide more time to study family circumstances.

He said the trial list will be limited to eight files per docket and it will be limited to cases involving intimate partner relationships. That could change depending on the level of assault. And unless otherwise ordered by the court, only one Crown witness will be required on the trial's first day.

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