Mr. Speaker, the way in which justice is delivered and carried out in the Northwest Territories is very unique in Canada. It is also very costly. The judges who go on the circuits have a very different and demanding workload, as do the entourage who accompany them, the clerks, lawyers, prosecutors and staff. There is a view that the business of dispensing with the cases which are outstanding in the communities could be expedited if we had more judges and money. We could look at the question and come back with some suggestions to this Legislature about how we can expedite the process. There may only be one option, or there may be a number of options. I am not able to say, except that we know in many cases, there is a prevailing view that many of the functions which are carried out now in the justice system, not necessarily in the courts, and the numbers of charges being laid and people being convicted, as far as having some positive impact on the people charged, is being questioned. Are there any returns to the taxpayers, the public, and the communities if we keep charging people, and sending them to jail and then they come back with little or no change in their outlook and their behaviour? There are some questions like this being asked. As far as this specific concern, is there some way to make sure court cases are dealt with as quickly as possible in communities, I can come back with some suggestions and perhaps even specific figures as far as how much it may cost in order to respond quickly to the Member's concern. Thank you.
Stephen Kakfwi on Question 9-12(3): Court Circuit System
In the Legislative Assembly on November 19th, 1992. See this statement in context.
Return To Question 9-12(3): Court Circuit System
Question 9-12(3): Court Circuit System
Item 6: Oral Questions
November 18th, 1992
Page 24
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