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LETTER: Courts taking the place of parents

Seeing as the courts appear to be taking the place of parents or guardians, then why say, 'You were bad, I’ll deal with you next month?'

I had the opportunity to be in a courtroom and observe some of the proceedings pertaining primarily with youth.

All the cases were first appearance on the alleged offence, although not necessarily the first time in a courtroom. However, each of the cases was put over for three weeks.

It seems to me that each of these will result in either a fine, probation or a conditional discharge.  I believe we’re all aware of how gentle our courts are, so to save time and free up much-needed space for more serious cases, why aren’t these cases dealt with on the spot? The lawyers already have the particulars as to where and when and what, and I believe the eventual outcome is pretty much a given.

Seeing as parents can’t or don’t discipline their children anymore, then the courts have to step up and do so immediately. Seeing as the courts appear to be taking the place of parents or guardians, then why say, “You were bad, I’ll deal with you next month?”

Unrealistic.

Dan Garrett, Abbotsford