EDITOR:
Like many others, I expect, I was saddened and disturbed by the Guardian story of March 17 on Emma A., a survivor of rape and trauma. Her story touched on the frustration felt by many with our justice system in cases of sexual assault.
I wonder if it is the formal, adversarial, beyond a doubt system itself that makes it so difficult to resolve such grievances.
Perhaps it is time to consider an alternative approach. For example, could we model something less formal as based on our nation’s Indigenous heritage? In certain cases, could we bring together a small circle of participants such as the accused, parents, law officials, affected parties and a mediator.
The emphasis of the justice circle would not so much be on proving guilt and punishment as on understanding, resolution, closure and corrective future behaviours.
Such a circle would not preclude follow up in the criminal justice system but would be aimed at letting participants find resolutions and make recommendations.
This model might only be appropriate for a minority of cases but it might be helpful particularly in cases now treated as unfounded.
I put this out not as a refined proposal but more as a spark that might ignite more thoughtful discussion on how our legal system can better handle these difficult and touching situations.
Don Pridmore,
Charlottetown
