HIGHS AND LOWS OF SOUTHIN'S JUDGMENT - 3 OF 4

The Appeal Court Justice Is Alternately Applauded, Condemned For Pot Views

Judicial activism has reached a new high (low?) with Justice Mary Southin's
recent comments that pot growers are no worse than martini drinkers.

It's bad enough that judges in B.C. believe that criminals who break into
homes and vehicles should not be put behind bars or that taking a human
life warrants a two-year suspended sentence.

We now have a judge who believes that she was appointed to make the law,
not simply administer it, and quotes a 1936 film to justify her actions.
How much more of this must the public endure?

Being appointed a judge does not mean that you are suddenly gifted with
some sort of higher intelligence and clairvoyance. Judge Southin's imperial
attitude needs serious modification.

Rick Mahler

Vancouver