News Release Archive
JUSTICE--INITIATIVES TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY OF COURTS ------------------------------------------------------------ Justice Minister Bill Gillis today announced two initiatives designed to improve the efficiency of the court system. A summary offences court will be created, and the adult diversion program will continue. The court will hear all virtually provincial summary offence matters in Halifax County, except matters prosecuted by the Public Prosecution Service. It will sit on week-nights in Halifax, Bedford and Dartmouth, and will be adjudicated by lawyers. By removing summary offence cases from the Provincial Court docket, the Provincial Court will be able to handle criminal cases in a more timely manner, he said. Approximately 90 per cent of the summary offences occur under the Motor Vehicle Act (such as speeding cases), with approximately 3,000 summary conviction cases being heard in a six month period. It is estimated that the capacity of the Provincial Court in the metro area will increase by six court days per week. The Department of Justice has been working with the judiciary, policing agencies and the four municipal units in setting up this new service. "This change will free up judge and court room time, which means the more serious cases can be handled in a speedier manner," said Dr. Gillis. "We improve our efficiency, without the expense of hiring additional judges and support staff." Lawyers will be hired to adjudicate, and will be recruited from the membership of the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society through advertising and interviews. Each adjudicator will be paid approximately $30.000 annually. The court is expected to be operational by April, 1996. The evening hour sittings will allow for the use of existing facilities in off-hours, offering a more convenient time for individuals who would normally be required to take time from work to attend court. "We feel this initiative will help to reduce the backlog in Provincial Court, and is truly a more effective use of resources," said Dr. Gillis. The minister also announced the continuation of the Adult Diversion Project. The pilot project which began earlier this year in Dartmouth and North Sydney has proven to be very successful. The project is an alternative to the traditional court process for individuals 18 years and older who commit minor offences. It will continue in those two jurisdictions. Basically, the program diverts relatively minor cases from the criminal justice process after charges are laid, but prior to a court appearance. The case is referred by police to probation officers, who then determine what steps can be taken to resolve the matter. The process examines the needs of victims and offenders by using various community resources to peacefully and satisfactorily resolve the damage caused by the offence. This can include restitution, letters of apology, community service work or counselling, he said. "This gives both the offender and the victim an opportunity to resolve the problem in a fair and equitable manner," said Dr. Gillis. "We are looking at expanding the program, and feel these initiatives are important in improving court efficiency so that the more serious and violent cases can be dealt with in a timely fashion." -30- Contact: Michele McKinnon 902-424-6811 trp Dec. 13, 1995