Single Trial Court: A possible catalyst for change
Although we have a good justice system, Albertans have often voiced concerns about accessibility, cost, timeliness, as well as the need to make the system simpler and easier to understand.
As a result, Alberta Justice is conducting consultations to explore possible ways to improve the justice system and make justice programs and services more accessible to Albertans.
“I believe it’s time to look at the structure of the justice system and ask: If we were to design a justice system to meet the needs of Albertans today, what would it look like? -- Justice Minister Dave Hancock |
A single trial court, as a possible catalyst for change, is one of many possible reforms being considered.
The first phase of the consultations occurred in the spring of 2003 and involved obtaining comment about the needs of the public and the justice system.
To ensure that balanced, fair, broad-based, and diverse sources of input were obtained from a number of key justice stakeholders and interest groups, consultations were held in a variety of communities. These locations included Grande Prairie, High Prairie, Fort McMurray, Edmonton, Red Deer, Medicine Hat, and Calgary.
Currently, consultations with the legal community are being held to stimulate discussion on the single trial court and to obtain perspectives on the issues and potential solutions.
Once the consultation process is complete, a report will be forwarded to the Minister of Justice on the findings.
More information on the single trial court is available on the Just-in Winter 2003 issue.
