Pubdate: Sat, 07 Nov 2015
Source: Guelph Mercury (CN ON)
Copyright: 2015 Metroland Media Group Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.guelphmercury.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1418
Author: Cody Endeman
Page: A8

THE LEGAL SYSTEM NEEDS TO CHANGE ITS WAYS

Dear editor: Re: Model citizen jailed for cocaine and pot charges - Oct. 22

What has the justice system of Canada come to?

The courts are failing to be consistent in upholding the law and as a
result, endangering the youth of today. No wonder drugs and substance
abuse are a big problem.

The courts sentenced Cory James to one year for possession and
trafficking of cocaine and marijuana, although the law allows for
significantly longer terms. The justice system is failing to adhere to
proper disciplinary practices.

What was the court thinking? James was referred to at his sentencing
hearing as a model citizen, but what difference does that make?

Everyone makes bad life choices, but the reason we have a legal system
in Canada is to ensure that an individual is disciplined
appropriately. Proper discipline is used to hopefully hinder the
individual from making that same life choice again.

They should serve the just punishment for the actions committed. What
if he was selling to your child? Model citizen or not, you would want
him to serve the full sentence?

How are we supposed to feel safe if the justice system doesn't even
have the backs of the people they are trying to protect?

What if it was a murder case? We should hope that the end result would
have been different.

The legal system of Canada really has to change its ways if it wants
to remove illegal substances from the streets.

Cody Endeman

Amaranth
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MAP posted-by: Matt