'The system is not functioning': Lack of forensic experts adding to already mounting court backlog
CTV
The backlog of legal cases continues to grow in Edmonton, a defence lawyer says, as both Crown prosecutors and defence attorneys struggle to find available forensic psychologists and experts.
The backlog of legal cases continues to grow in Edmonton, a defence lawyer says, as both Crown prosecutors and defence attorneys struggle to find available forensic psychologists and experts.
Usually called upon during sentencing for serious crimes like sexual assaults, murder, or child pornography, forensic psychologists connect the practice of psychology with the law.
In December, one prosecutor requesting a dangerous offender assessment told the court they have a pool of approximately 12 to 15 qualified professionals to rely on in Alberta, with none having the capacity to take on additional work.
Shawn King, a defence lawyer, says the entire system "is backing up," even starting to impact forensic technicians, drug experts and private investigators.
"Justice is delayed, and when justice is delayed, that affects everyone," King said.
The legal system is still struggling to overcome delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and then a series of labour disputes between the province and both Crown attorneys and Legal Aid Alberta.
"[People] could potentially spend more time in custody than they would if they just plead guilty and got the sentencing done right up front or found guilty and do the sentencing without the report," King added.
A city councillor says he's heard Edmontonians' concerns about this year's snow removal 'loud and clear,' especially when it comes to improving communication about neighbourhood blading.
The Calgary Police Service asked residents of a northwest neighbourhood to shelter in their homes as officers responded to a situation Wednesday morning involving a firearm.
A Canadian Armed Forces surveillance plane was heading home on Tuesday after two intelligence-collecting flights over Haiti.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith expressed her concerns with the federal government's proposed 'just transition' legislation directly to the prime minister on Tuesday, saying she hopes the two can find some common ground.
An Ontario man is being accused of changing his name, profession and life story multiple times to potentially more than 100 women online before leaving some out thousands of dollars.
Montreal police say a high school in the Saint-Leonard borough is in lockdown Tuesday afternoon after a threat was made by a possible student.
The federal government is pledging to increase health funding to Canada's provinces and territories by $196.1 billion over the next 10 years, in a long-awaited deal aimed at addressing Canada's crumbling health-care systems with $46.2 billion in new funding.
A mangled bicycle and a smashed windshield point to the severity of the crash that sent a Victoria cyclist to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries on Monday.
A 50-year-old woman is dead after two semis collided on Highway #1 near Indian Head.
Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) is restricting traffic on range road 3062 as they investigate a suspicious death in the area.
A Winnipeg family is in mourning after two relatives were killed by an earthquake that caused destruction across southeast Turkiye and neighbouring Syria.