June 13, 2013
iPolitics – Steve Sullivan
When victims’ rights and public safely clash
The first federal ombudsman for victims of crime, and a twenty year advocate for victims of crime, Sullivan offers a series of insightful comments on Bill C-479 and the tensions between victim’s rights – how we understand those rights and the appropriate involvement of victims in the criminal justice process – and public safety. http://www.ipolitics.ca/2013/06/12/when-victims-rights-and-public-safely-clash
Ottawa Citizen – Kim Pate – Op-ed piece
It’s time to correct the dysfunction in corrections
Pate, the Executive Director of the Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies, offers a pointed analysis of why the abuses exposed by Andre Marin in the recent Ombudsman report THE CODE, exist and what contributes to the problems of eradicating these human rights abuses.http://www.ottawacitizen.com/life/time+correct+dysfunction+corrections/8517572/story.html#ixzz2W7b1Bjem
Huffington Post – Canadian Press
Vancouver Riot Charges Approved Against 229 People: Criminal Justice Branch
Two years after the hockey riot in Vancouver, charges have been approved against 229 people, and 56 more are waiting to learn if they will be charged. 40 other people recommended for charges by police have had no charges laid. http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/06/11/vancouver-riot-charges-approved_n_3422998.html
Dallas News – Claire Cardona
Perry adds establishment of life sentence with possibility of parole for 17 year olds to special session
In response to the Supreme Court’s ruling that mandatory life without parole is unconstitutional for 17 year-olds convicted of murder, the Texas Governor has proposed a mandatory life but with the possibility of parole. http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/2013/06/perry-adds-establishment-of-life-sentence-with-possibility-of-parole-for-17-year-olds.html
Medicine Hat (AB) News Opinion
When it comes to bullying, sometimes kids have to stand up for themselves
The editorial asks if bullying, in its various aspects, is an individual problem or a social ill. The viewpoint says that by elevating every problem to a social ill, we strip individual responsibility at every level. Is there a grand socially designed solution to this age old problem? http://medicinehatnews.com/2013/06/commentary/opinions/when-it-comes-to-bullying-sometimes-kids-have-to-stand-up-for-themselves
Santa Cruz Sentinel – Julia Reynolds
California crime victims want fewer people in prison, survey says
A report issued by Californians for Safety and Justice is suggesting that a plurality of victims would prefer rehabilitation rather than more severe imprisonment. The report surveyed 500 recent victims, two thirds of whom were multiple victims in the last five years. Three quarters of the victims want higher investment mental health services and addiction treatment. http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/localnews/ci_23449283/california-crime-victims-want-fewer-people-prison-survey
BBC News Magazine – William Kremer and Claudia Hammond
How do people survive solitary confinement?
The article compares the experience of hostages, political prisoners and inmates of super max solitary (for example Pelican Bay) for the psychological impact. Several experts offer advice as how to combat the effects of long term solitary. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-22878268