To the editor:
Recently I had the experience of attending this court room with a friend who needed support and her case was transferred to the new court room (Restorative Justice)
Now I have learned this court room only operates only a few days of the week.
I’ve heard there are plans to increase the usage of the round room, inclusive newly designed court room and I could not be happier about the potential and impact this will have on the many who need this type of service.
What I witnessed was the most incredible treatment of every single individual who had to endure what are extremely stressful circumstances.
The judge who presided over each case took great length with each person ensuring everyone had the representation required and that all were treated with dignity and respect.
As you can imagine this room was filled with all walks of life.
Homeless people, people dealing with addiction and mental health challenges and many who have been displaced from their communities looking for a better life.
The Judge besides doing his judge duties reminded me of a very skilled counsellor and social worker who obviously had equal compassion for every person who came before him.
It truly was remarkable how this judge navigated with knowledge and experience that lead to an outcome that was positive under the circumstances for each individual before him.
The judge used personal experiences from his youthful years and how he understood where people make mistakes and take wrong turns and how life can lead you down the wrong path.
This man and Judge left me feeling hopeful for all that came before him and with his guidance each individual has a chance at turning things around for the better because of his tutelage.
The Crown attorney in attendance who is responsible for the defence of the law and the prosecution of each defendant was not exactly what I expected.
He as well showed a level of understanding and compassion that I have not ever witnessed and each person was afforded the opportunity to speak and be heard and treated with kindness and compassion while he did his duty that can make or break a person while they await their outcome.
His ability to observe the expressions of those waiting their turn for judgment was impressive and while my friend was being sentenced he took the opportunity to mention her compassion and emotions for those that went before her.
That I did not expect and it was a such a pleasure to see this level of commitment from someone who has your life in his hands.
The judge and Crown were a team in this court room and should be witnessed by everyone and used as an example of how no matter who you are, where you come from or what you are dealing with should be treated.
My experience with everyone else who had responsibility in this court room who I watched and engaged with included Lawyers, social workers, representatives from the Canadian Mental Health Association, and the young lady who was the Restorative Justice Community Coordinator exceeded any and all expectations for their participation and commitment and expertise in their roles.
The knowledge of the defendants living here and from our region and what was required to understand all of their circumstances and challenges was remarkable.
The new courtroom is named appropriately and should be an example for all court rooms as a way to treat those who need a hand up, not a beat down.
Restorative Justice Court is a winner in my books and hopefully there is increase in usage as this can make a positive difference in so many lives to those that need this type of support.
Clint Harris,
Thunder Bay
