Pubdate: Fri, 21 Apr 2006
Source: Winnipeg Free Press (CN MB)
Copyright: 2006 Winnipeg Free Press
Contact:  http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/502
Author: Grace Ivey
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06/n496/a09.html
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?199 (Mandatory Minimum Sentencing)

HARPER HURTS JUSTICE SYSTEM

Re: Harper Takes Aim At Criminals (April 20).

I am sorry to hear the Conservative government is planning to expand  
mandatory sentencing. The Canadian justice system is one of the best  
in the world. If politicians insist on interfering in sentencing, how  
far will they go? Will we end up with a rule book of sentences from  
which to choose so that trials, judges and courts are no longer  
necessary? That would be simpler and less costly but would it be  
justice? If I were ever in trouble with the law, I'd want a judge to  
be able to consider extenuating circumstances. Each trial should be  
considered on its own merit. We do not want an eye-for-an-eye system.  
That would be revenge, not justice.

The Harper government, elected by so few, will destroy Canada's  
justice system, which is so admired in the rest of the world.

GRACE IVEY,
Winnipeg
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MAP posted-by: Jackl