The system is close to collapse

The Toronto Star' s Saturday edition article on "The dark side of justice" is excellent. The star should be commended on an excellent article. Legal aid, in civil cases, save and except for family law matters is rarely available. Without legal aid, very few litigants can afford to litigate. The system is close to collapse stated one lawyer who did not want his name used. The administration of justice is under a great deal of stress and is on life support.

"Reform is necessary. Common sense and justice should prevail over too many useless rules that only add to the cost of litigation", stated another lawyer.

Many civil litigators state confidentially that they could not afford to go to court. Moreover, even if a litigant is successful collecting on the judgment is very difficult. As a former Court of Appeal Judge stated: " If you cannot collect on the judgment it is not worth the paper it is printed on."

At the same time we all have to work harder to make the sytem work as there are no other good alternatives. One alternative method of dispute resolution, within our present system,  is Mediation. It is more cost effective and the parties agree upon the mediator. Mediation is a good alternative provided the parties act in good faith. Without good will to resolve the dispute it only adds to the cost of litigating and ends up costing more money and time.

 Edgar Hoover graduated from law school shortly after WWI and was unemployed for a brief period of time. He went to work for the federal government and made his name going after the "reds" and the anarchists in the 1920s. He helped create the FBI and was instrumental in building up its reputation, power and resources. For instance, initially the FBI members were mostly lawyers and accountants and they were unarmed. In time, the FBI became the premier National Police Force.

British judge who freed convicted pedophile should retire early

Justice requires a balancing of the rights of the accused and the public. However, after an accused has been convicted the balance should shift to the protection of the public. In Britain a judge released a convicted pedophile because of overcrowding in the jails. This judge lacks wisdom and good judgment. Over crowding in the jails should not be a reason to release the convicted pedophile. The judge had the power to order the pedophile be kept in solitary confinement or other secure jail facility.

Arar and his lawyers to share $12 million. RCMP loses a commissioner

Arar will get $10 million and his lawyers will share $2 million. The RCMP lost big on this case. This case reminds us of the greatness of our democratic nation. In this country the rule of Law applies to all of us.