The Importance Of Funding For The Criminal Justice System
The importance of law firms like Donich Law has never been more emphasized than during the pandemic. The coronavirus pandemic cannot be used as an excuse for inaction in the criminal justice system. The increase in offenses committed due to poverty and drug addiction will require lawyers that are committed to fairness and justice.
The federal government has extended extraordinary support to vital institutions like hospitals, health workers, schools at provincial levels and indigenous communities. In all the funding initiatives, the criminal justice system has not been a priority.
The criminal justice system was also devastated by the coronavirus pandemic that forced courts to close and put on hold thousands of cases. The fear of being infected with Covid-19 was apparent in courtrooms, police stations and jails.
Criminal lawyers were not able to work for months. They have to make do with shoestring budgets with very little hope for recovery. Stress is present everywhere with law offices closed and unaffordable rents. Law firms were forced to adapt technology which was enormously expensive for everyone. As courts across the country start to open up, there is always the threat of closing down again due to public health measures.
Legal aid plans are in real trouble because of the lack of funding. Backlogs, empty courtrooms and unpredictable schedules have impacted fairness and efficiency. Courts are going to be overwhelmed and the impact will be tremendous.
The criminal justice system is expected to solve all the problems of society from terrible crimes to spontaneous violence and family breakdowns. The government must rethink funding for the criminal justice system and prioritize it in the ambitious plans to address the coronavirus pandemic.
Criminal legislation is introduced by the federal government but the administration of justice is the responsibility of provinces and territories. In most cases, this leads to new legislations and initiatives without any funding estimates.
If you are accused of a crime, it is important to seek legal advice from Donich Law as soon as possible to protect your rights and interests. There are serious consequences associated to being charged with a criminal offense that can seriously affect your future life, employment, travel and immigration.
