CRIME AND PUNISHMENT

Re: "Harper plan 'repugnant electioneering': Mandatory minimum
sentences don't work, local criminal trial lawyers group says," The
Journal, Oct. 6.

Brian Hurley, president of the Edmonton Criminal Trial Lawyers
Association, says "mandatory minimum sentences don't work." But he
gives no indication of what does.

He also says "minimums also mean jails get more crowded."OK, what
about building new prisons like they have in Arizona? Its approach
seems to reduce the cost of operation and the problem of repeat offenders.

Hurley also says that, "in the case of addicts who are caught dealing
small amounts of drugs, the courts tend to impose treatment orders."
Although I always thought you couldn't cure someone who wasn't ready
to be cured, I will defer to Hurley's experience. How about treatment
in prison? The longer the sentence, the more time not committing
crimes in the neighbourhood. No commuting to or missed treatment
appointments. Sounds like a win-win to me.

Hurley also says "the government should break the drug-abuse cycle by
providing more support for early childhood development and social
services." It's interesting, then, that he didn't congratulate the
federal Conservatives for the "two-thirds of the $63.8 million in the
Federal Plan going for prevention and treatment."

So what did we really learn about the Edmonton Criminal Trial Lawyers
Association?

Gary Zingle

Edmonton