BC’s Attorney General Barry Penner stated in an interview that “guidelines have been tweaked because of difficulty in interpretation of Canada’s Charter of Rights.”
Had not Kimberly Proctor’s murderers so blatantly described, on several occasions, the disgusting horror they subjected her to, it is highly possible they would not have been tried as adults and instead slipped though the justice system because of a “tweak” in The Charter of Rights.
The Young Offenders act has handcuffed the legal system — nothing is black and white, gray areas abound. The original intent, to try and protect young law-breakers has somehow become distorted and in many cases made sentencing a farce; leaving the public shaking their heads in disbelief.
Victims and their families are stunned at the slight of hand sentences criminals receive; with house arrest, day passes and reduced sentences for good behavior a common occurrence.
Our legal system is in serious need of a rethink. When the law is more concerned with the treatment and outcome of the criminal than with the innocent victim, we have crossed the line of insanity and need to establish some old values. Accountability, genuine remorse and a sincere desire to make amends, would be a good place to start.
In the old days (I am in the autumn of my life) we roamed the countryside in England and our parents were not too concerned if we were late getting home from school. Today the scene is far different. Parents are anxious about their children when they do not know where they are or who they are with.
Freedom for children has changed, and deprived them of outdoor play. Spontaneous adventures in the park or in the woods with a pal are far too dangerous — who knows who might be lurking in wait.
So what has happened to peace of mind? Are people acting out on scenarios they see online or on television? Atrocities are rampant. Most movies have a murder or rape at their core. Unstable people could depict this as normal and act on it. We cannot censor life, nor would we want to, however, it is essential the public have faith in their justice system.
Democracy is founded in the letter of the law.
Margaret J. Jestico,
Central Saanich