Criminal Justice System: A Case Study

990 Words4 Pages
Throughout the vast history of civilization, there have been many documented instances of formalized legal institutions in place to govern a body of people. The varying and often overlapping roles of the different systems within the governments illustrate a network that is significant to the productivity of our societal functioning. The importance is demonstrated by the procedures of legal institutions that work to regulate and enforce fundamental rights of its governed citizens, while allowing room for useful amendments. Furthermore, available resources and services that are provided for many individuals, whether victims of crime or those to appear before the courts, are often supported by legal institutions to facilitate an environment where…show more content…
For example, in the commonly understood situation of an individual in police custody who cannot afford to appoint an attorney, an attorney will be provided by the court to represent them without cost. Accordingly, those who qualify under the Compensation for Victims of Crime Act can receive fiscal compensation, as well as other supports such as counseling, that is believed to be essential to their recovery and rehabilitation. Our province also offers two programs to help eligible residents of Ontario who are in need of financial aid. Ontario Works provides temporary financial support and assistance in finding employment, and the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) helps people with disabilities find employment and in need of income support. Additionally, due to the isolation of the residents within the territory of Nunavut, there is a circuit court belonging to the Nunavut Court of Justice, comprised of judges, clerks, court reporters, prosecutors, and defense attorneys, who travel to the territory to manage cases. Another important feature of our country's legal institution is the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), officiated on April 1, 2013, which concerns young offenders. This act stresses the necessity of addressing the developmental challenges, underlying causes, and individual needs of the youth for successful reform. Ultimately, the YCJA reduces reliance on…show more content…
There are still constant efforts being made by different groups and organizations to continue fighting for equal treatment from the eyes of the law. Among the many changes made to the Canadian Constitution, the Equality Rights in Section 15 is one of the most substantial to our standing as a country and the satisfaction of the inhabitants. This includes the recognition of rights of Canadians who identify as belonging to the LGBT Community, the limitation of police powers, which enforce legal guards and accountability for policing, and the improved conditions for women both in and out of the work force. These changes that have been made since the dawn of a formalized government are impressive in comparison to most archaic laws, such as Roman Law, present during the Roman Empire. Most modern day governments have evolved from inconsistent and unfair treatment of its body of individuals and an eye-for-an-eye stance on punishment for crimes committed, however, there are still remaining institutional flaws, which will be acknowledged. These modifications made on our statutes, laws, and regulations are in response to the increase of diversity in societies, and to accommodate to the increase of humanitarianism and awareness, working together to construct a
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