Former Attorney General wants justice reforms for mega-trials

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VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – As the first verdict is set to come down on one of the biggest trials in BC’s history, a former Attorney General believes we need to speed things up when it comes to mega-trials.

Wally Oppal says the Robert Pickton and Bindy Johal trials were too long spanning a number of years.
He says that’s the same situation for the Surrey Six case which is a problem, that’s why he’s calling for justice reform.

“We have lost control in so many ways of the pace of our justice system…the events took place 2009 and here we are in 2014, one trial is finally concluding and that’s wrong the public expects things to be done in a more timely way than we do things.”

He says waits during investigations to collect evidence is justifiable, but there are other reforms that can be explored during trials.
“Maybe we need to put time limits on cross examination, time limits for the commencement of trials. Those are some of the things we have to do. The Americans can get things done a lot quicker.”

He adds the public loses confidence in the system when you’re not able to get things done in a timely way and it also makes it harder for victims’ families to find closure.

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