|
|
|
|
About Courtwatch |
 |
Powell River CourtWatch is a private
non-profit organization which has implemented a
much needed CourtWatch Program in Powell River.
The goal is to monitor and evaluate Powell
River’s criminal justice system from the
public’s point of view. We feel that our justice
system needs more input from the community it
serves.
Many people think that court issues are
secretive and hidden behind closed doors.
CourtWatch brings information about our local
judicial system to the public for review and
scrutiny. Frankly, if we don’t know what is
happening there is nothing we can do about it.
If we do know then we can react.
It is hoped that by making people aware they
will be able to react to problems and learn from
other’s mistakes. There is also the ability for
the public to monitor the judicial process and
insure the cases are handled in a timely, fair,
but expeditious fashion.
If one person is discouraged from committing an
illegal offense because they know they may be
subject to public scrutiny, the program is well
worth the effort.
Our hope is for a community that is safe today
and for our children’s future.
Download our brochure here
|
Powell River Law Courts
6953 Alberni |
 Powell River Law Courts are located at 6953 Alberni (behind the bushes) |
|
Crown
Council
6963 Alberni
J. Sinclair
A. Tully-Barr |
Crown Counsel are
employees of the Criminal Justice Branch
of the Ministry of the Attorney general.
They ensure that charges are laid in
appropriate cases and that prosecutions
are conducted fairly, promptly and
effectively.
In a criminal proceeding, Crown Counsel
presents evidence that the government
has gathered against the accused.
Crown Counsel:
-
are also referred to as prosecutors.
-
are appointed and assigned to cases by the
Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of the Attorney General.
-
are independent and do not represent the
government, the police or the victim of an offence.
-
represent the State (entire community) because
in Canada a crime against one person is regarded as a crime against everyone.
-
review police files to determine if charges are
warranted and if so, lay the charge.
-
deal with bail applications at all stages of a
trial.
-
must disclose to the accused or defence counsel
the evidence that will be presented in court in advance, as well as any other
relevant information that may affect the case.
-
conduct the prosecution of cases up to and
including any appeals.
-
present evidence to the court to prove that the
accused person is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This means that if a judge
or jury, after hearing all the evidence, has a reasonable doubt about whether
the accused is guilty, the accused receives the benefit of that doubt and will
be acquitted.
|
|
Powell River
Judges
Judges MacGregor & Rae |
There currently are about 150 Provincial Court Judges in
various locations throughout the province. When appointed, each judge is
assigned court chambers in a particular judicial district, though he or she may
be required to travel to other locations from time to time, as required by the
Chief Judge.
Most Provincial Court Judges work full-time. However, judges
55 or older, with at least 10 years of service, may elect to hold office as a
part-time judge. In addition, some judges work after retirement on an ad hoc
basis.
|
|
