Nov. 15, 2013
Ottawa Citizen – Kelly Egan
Two mothers on opposite sides of a murder discover the power of forgiveness
Dona Cadman and Supriya Deas had a remarkable story that started with a mugging gone wrong. Cadman says that grief and anger in the victim’s family can eat up the victims while Deas says that you don’t give birth to a child and think about the distortion required for that child to kill another. The two moms took part in an Ottawa Restorative Justice evening this week. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Egan+mothers+opposite+sides+murder+discover+power+forgiveness/9167878/story.html
Chilliwack Times – Paul J. Henderson
Case load increases but not funding for program – Council says ‘no’ to Restorative Justice request for $18.5k
This article represents all our RJ organization who encounter great success and who build the number of clients and the outreaches only to discover that the necessary funding continues to be directed to less effective programs. This example certainly passes the best bang for the buck test as well. http://www.chilliwacktimes.com/news/case-load-increases-but-not-funding-for-program-1.696009#sthash.54EMmQWr.dpuf
Brandon Sun (MB) – Allison Jones, Canadian Press
Ontario Appeal Court rules mandatory minimum sentence unconstitutional
Binding only in Ontario but likely to be noticed in all the provinces, the Ontario Appeal Court has declared a three year mandatory minimum sentence for gun possession unconstitutional. The term was part of the C-10 Omnibus Law and now the question to be answered is whether the federal government will appeal to the Supreme Court. Justice Minister Peter McKay seems to think the constitutionality of mandatory minimums should be tested in the highest court. http://www.brandonsun.com/national/breaking-news/ontarios-top-court-to-issue-landmark-ruling-on-mandatory-minimum-sentences-231533021.html?thx=y
Canada.com – Tobi Cohen
Federal government to consider expanding consecutive sentencing
Federal Justice Minister Peter McKay is announcing an intent on the part of the federal government to end the practice of consecutive sentencing for those convicted of multiple violent crimes, including sexual assault and others. Murder and manslaughter already have a possible consecutive sentencing as a result of a 2011 bill, Ending Sentence Discounts. http://o.canada.com/news/politics-and-the-nation/federal-government-to-consider-expanding-consecutive-sentencing/
Times Picayune (New Orleans) – Naomi Martin
Orleans Parish Prison medical costs expected to nearly double as consent decree begins, City Council is told
The US federal government has introduced new laws about what needs to happen when the mentally ill are sentenced to prison. Medical costs are expected to double to provide intake assessment and follow-up treatment. Called a consent decree the legislation confronts constitutional rights violations. http://www.nola.com/crime/index.ssf/2013/11/orleans_parish_prison_medical.html
Toronto Sun – Randy Richmond
Fixing our prisons: Answers are complex and will take time, money, and a public that cares
Richmond identifies the political extremes and then considers some of the ways to fix the growing population. Part 3 of series, he also may have perhaps rose coloured glasses about the effectiveness of mental health treatment within prisons and anticipates the power to cancel parole for drug offences in a new Blaney bill called the Drug Free Prisons Act. http://www.torontosun.com/2013/11/14/fixing-our-prisons-answers-are-complex-and-will-take-time-money-and-a-public-that-cares
Huffington Post (US) – Robert Creamer
It’s Economic Inequality Stupid — What to Do About the Biggest Crisis Facing America
As the income inequality continues to grow some of the causes are beginning to be more pronounced. The crux of the problem is created by the rules under which economic activity is pursued. Creamer, a long time political strategist and author, has seven specific changes to rein in the gap. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-creamer/its-economic-inequality-s_b_4273787.html
Common Dreams – Robert C. Koehler
Reclaiming ‘Chiraq’ with Restorative Justice
Chiraq is what the kids there call Chicago. Many are wondering why violence seems to be so acceptable and have begun a Reclaim Chiraq response. The county spends half a billion on jails, has 10,000 plus inmates, 70% on remand because they can not get bail, but only $2 million on preventative measure. http://www.commondreams.org/view/2013/11/14-4
Vancouver Sun
Quebec doctor who stabbed his kids to death turns himself in after new trial ordered
Two years ago, Dr. Guy Turcotte was found NCR in the stabbing death of his two children. Released after a year of psychiatric treatment, Turcotte has been re-arrested and charged again when a Superior Court ruled the trial judge erred in his juror instructions.http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Quebec+doctor+stabbed+kids+death+turns+himself+after+trial+ordered/9162420/story.html#ixzz2kfjkYCAL