JUDGE: OUTCOMES 'INEVITABLY' DISAPPOINT

People from various perspectives are "almost inevitably" disappointed with
the outcome of criminal trials, says the Nova Scotia Supreme Court's top judge.

"Perfect justice is not to be found in this courtroom," Justice Joe Kennedy
said yesterday during a sentencing.

"It's not to be found, perhaps, on this planet."

Judges try to balance "all the various factors and come up with an
appropriate response -- an appropriate ending to the process," said
Kennedy, who admits to reading newspapers and watching television to find
out what people think of court sentences.

Occasionally, he even listens to radio talk shows to gauge public opinion
on what the courts are doing.

Participants are often "outraged" by sentences handed out, Kennedy said.
"Sometimes, properly so."