New prosecution unit speeds up trial process

"We're freeing up court time so more trials can be heard" — Dave Hancock, Minister of Justice and Attorney General Justice Minister Dave Hancock helped announce the establishment of a prosecution unit aimed at freeing up court time.

Seven screening prosecutors in offices across the province are part of a new prosecution unit designed to help save court time and streamline the criminal trial process in Alberta courts.

By reviewing all criminal cases, with the exception of homicides, the early case resolution unit determines whether or not they can be resolved without going to trial. As a result, the unit will save valuable court time and avoid situations where witnesses and experts are subpoenaed only to see the accused plead guilty and the matter deferred for sentencing.

"We're always willing to look at new ways to save court time and to reduce the human costs—the stress and the expense—of a criminal trial," said Justice Minister Dave Hancock.

"This is an innovative initiative to cut down the number and length of trials in Alberta. It is also hoped that it will assist our Crown prosecutors by providing them with more time to prepare for those cases that do go to trial."

The unit is the result of an Edmonton-based pilot project that saved an estimated 177 days of court time in 10 months of operation. In a single day under the pilot program, 61 witnesses were spared having to go to court. The pilot program was initiated by the Crown and coordinated with the provincial court.

The program in no way compromises the way prosecutions are pursued, said Steve Bilodeau, one of the prosecutors involved in initiating the program.

"Some people think that this is about the Crown 'selling the farm' and agreeing to weak sentences," said Bilodeau. "That's completely wrong. It's about giving a fit sentence that recognizes the value of a timely guilty plea."