As the Ghomeshi trial ended quickly this week and the judge’s decision expected March 24, there are many questions on how the legal system, the defence and the press have violated the victim’s again by attacking their credibility. No one under the microscope is perfect and second guessing is not helpful. What is the message to other victims? Remain silent because anything you have texted, emailed, Tweeted or phoned will become welcome fodder for the press and defence council. The defendant can also remain silent.
“In a case keenly followed on Twitter and in law schools, justice itself was on trial for how it balances the treatment of alleged victims against the presumption of innocence. But the trial some people expected, focused on Mr. Ghomeshi’s conduct, never materialized. Instead, one after another, the women came under an onslaught of evidence about their own behaviour and inconsistent statements.”
There are no winners from the perspective of justice. However, having spoken up and taken the stand, from my perspective, the victims have shown their courage and inner strength. Mr. Ghomeshi has certainly spoken volumes by his silence. I would hope that this is an opportunity for Canadians to demand that improvements are made in the legal process of helping victims. What are some options that would ensure the right to a fair trial and balance the rights of the victims during cross examination and the entire legal process?
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/how-the-defence-ended-up-in-the-drivers-seat-in-the-ghomeshitrial/article28747359/
