HARPER HURTS JUSTICE SYSTEM

Re: Harper Takes Aim At Criminals (April 20).

I am sorry to hear the Conservative government is planning to expand
mandatory sentencing. The Canadian justice system is one of the best
in the world. If politicians insist on interfering in sentencing, how
far will they go? Will we end up with a rule book of sentences from
which to choose so that trials, judges and courts are no longer
necessary? That would be simpler and less costly but would it be
justice? If I were ever in trouble with the law, I'd want a judge to
be able to consider extenuating circumstances. Each trial should be
considered on its own merit. We do not want an eye-for-an-eye system.
That would be revenge, not justice.

The Harper government, elected by so few, will destroy Canada's
justice system, which is so admired in the rest of the world.

GRACE IVEY,
Winnipeg