Posted by Kath on July 12, 2000, at 15:43:26
In reply to True crimes and media and societal non-sense..., posted by dj on July 12, 2000, at 0:41:32
Hi STJAMES,
I live in Ontario. My son was involved with a couple of other kids in stealing something in the school hall after school. We made him responsible for getting his own lawyer, etc. I did accompany him to his course appearances. Even though I asked that he be forced into drug rehab., because it was his FIRST OFFENCE the court wouldn't even consider charging him. He got what's called "Alternative Measures". His assignment consisted of writing a letter of apology, writing an 800 word essay "how having a criminal record would affect my future life", and paying 1/3 of the value of the non-returned items that were stolen from the person. His assignment was due May 17th. He has done NONE of it. And guess what's happened????? You got it - NOTHING. What does that teach a kid?? What does it say about the justice system, the law system, the Young Offenders Act, and being held accountable for one's actions or inactions?
And now, the Ontario government wants to make parents financially responsible for the damage that their adolescents do!! How does THAT hold young people accountable for what they have done? It makes me sick.
Having been at court with my son various times in the back & forthing of the court system I've seen other kids getting a slap on the wrist. They get consequences (curfew, etc.) & if the don't obey them they get put on "Probation" for 6 months for example. If they break their "Probation" they get a 9 months added on, etc. etc. The legal system just becomes a joke. I've seen young people waiting up at the court, standing outside smoking & spitting on the sidewalk & joking about "hey what are YOU here for - heh heh heh".
I don't know what the answer to it all is. I do know that the way things are right now, in Ontario at least, I fear to think what's going to happen.
Kath
poster:Kath
thread:40135
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000708/msgs/40209.html