More evidence justice system ‘broken’
Re Survey finds most Ontarians say justice system is ‘broken,’ Oct. 17 One aspect of this survey and the accompanying article that I find alarming is that other commonly held and important perceptions regarding the criminal portion of the justice system are not addressed. Many feel that the criminal justice system is far too lenient with crimes such as sexual assault, murder and property crimes and that the most severe penalties seem to be reserved only for monetary crimes or high-profile cases.
The people who habitually break into our homes or vehicles, and threaten our collective security, or commit sexual offences are merely caught in a systemic revolving door and are generally free to continue their behaviours relatively unencumbered.
Another recurring source of frustration is the absence of justice, in Ontario in particular, for the wanton misuse of public funds and the duplicitous nature of elected officials when dealing with the public trust. The lack of accountability and subsequent repercussions are appalling, combined with the glacial-paced investigations that seem to go nowhere and wrap-up unceremoniously.
These perceptions contribute significantly to the view that our justice system is in fact skewed and broken. It is obvious that all are not equal in the eyes of the law and that meaningful reforms are needed to address these shortcomings before any confidence can be restored. It is strange that these opinions were not included for they are equally relevant to public confidence. Tom Whent, Sault Ste. Marie The justice system is breaking down in criminal law, family law and civil law — the three pillars of the rule of law. In a Sept. 9 letter the premier wrote that she is looking for guidance in family law; the Ministry of the Attorney General “will be responding shortly.” As the Children’s Lawyer for Ontario from 1984 to 2002, I submitted letters to the AG on May 8 and so far there has been no response.
The family law problem is that 50 per cent of spouses are not represented by a lawyer in the family law courts. Dependent and needy spouses and children also lack a “friendly, efficient and affordable” family law system.
Let’s hope the attorney general will not just address criminal law cases and will pay attention to the unrepresented families in Ontario who are undergoing difficult divorces. Surely, imprisonment for a criminal and separation of spouses for children are equally important in the cultures of Ontario. Wilson McTavish, Mississauga