We can start by understanding that we don't have a justice system. We have a legal system. I know you have been through the ringer with our legal system Evelyn, its pretty sad. Can't imagine going through a murder trial of a child and walking away thinking justice prevailed, regardless of the verdict.
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 4 March 2018 at 21:27
*********************************************
Nothing prepares for whatever happens, like a career in politics . I wrote little at the time of the decision in my litigation. I focussed on putting it behind me. I calculated sufficient years of my life and more than my resources had already been expended .
The time wasn't lost. I did not resolve never to speak of it. Many positive aspects had evolved.
Not least were the people who rallied to the cause and the stalwart support of my children.
At the initial legal consult, the question was asked and answered... what do you hope to accomplish?
Me...This is Canada. Such injustice can't be allowed to happen at the hands of elected officials. They have to be stopped
They were . But without the support of the legal system.
Newmarket Judge Mark Edward's conclusion that liberty could be freely abused by elected officials was not shared by Aurora's voters. The next election established that without ceremony or doubt
when the culprits were tossed.
At the time of the Judge's decision, two years after he dismissed my jury on a trumped up excuse, my
initial thought was to continue the fight . More than enough perverse logic and mis-representation lent itself to an appeal.
I filed intent .That action cost another $20.000.Then I conferred with my family.
During the 13 years the process took support was strong. Whatever the decision,I knew that would continue. From the beginning, the fight was never mine alone.
Judge Edwards notwithstanding, the principle of reason and fairness remained unassailable.
On the other hand, access to justice proved to be twisted and evasive. No reason existed to
anticipate anything better going further down that road. At the point of the pre-trial conference,
I was persuaded to settle. The town's insurance was paying the bills for the other side so that
did not happen.
In legal circles there's a wise old saying ...justice is available ....the question is can you afford to
win?
In a long political career, win or lose, I never backed away from a fight.
I always held the law in respect and at a higher level .
I had been proven wrong about that and concluded that throwing good money after bad was not
the best plan.
I withdrew my intent to appeal .
I did not close the door.
It's a long road that doesn't have a turn.
I've been down that road myself. There were lessons that I learned that to this day put a smile on my face every day, mainly due from the my incredible supportive friends and family. There were also lessons that were disheartening. Those lessons like to creep into my day to day life now and again. I've seen Karma do it's magic over the years, I just wish that our legal system can get the overhaul that is clearly needed. Backing away from a fight has never been something I have ever done, although...Would I do it again? You betcha! You Evelyn taught me that lesson. Thank you. :)
ReplyDelete