Pubdate: Tue, 24 Dec 2013
Source: Guardian, The (CN PI)
Copyright: 2013 The Guardian, Charlottetown Guardian Group Incorporated
Contact:  http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/174
Author: Ryan Ross

MLA TAKES JUDGE UP ON OFFER TO VISIT COURT

After an open invite from a provincial court judge, at least one MLA
has taken up her offer to attend court to see the impact addictions
have on P. E. I.

Stratford-Kinlock PC MLA James Aylward has visited the courthouse
twice to see some of the cases going through the system.

"It's heartbreaking to see all these kids come up on these charges and
moving forward they're more than likely going to have a record that's
going to follow them, just all because of an addiction," he said.

Last month, Judge Nancy Orr suggested MLAs visit her courtroom to
learn more about the impacts of crimes committed by people with drug
addictions.

That suggestion came after a 36-year-old former RCMP dispatcher's
sentencing for crimes she committed to feed her addiction to
prescription drugs. In that case, Orr sentenced the woman, who had no
previous criminal record, to 18 months in jail and ordered her to pay
almost $30,000 in restitution.

Orr isn't the only judge to voice her concerns about the addictions
issue. Chief Judge John Douglas recently spoke out in court, saying
drug abuse cases are an almost daily occurrence in his court and have
become an epidemic.

Aylward visited both judges' courtrooms, but said he tried to be
inconspicuous so he wouldn't be noticed and could just watch the
proceedings. "Try to observe," he said. What he noticed was the sheer
volume of cases that came up during his time there that involved drug
addictions.

"That's one part of it," he said.

Aylward said it also gave a sense of the high monetary costs of
addictions because it ties up resources such as court staff, police
officers, jail staff and lawyers.

"Just the sheer cost and the waste. The waste of our youth."
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MAP posted-by: Matt