Why do we need a justice system?

I just want to add a few thoughts on your editorial of today’s paper ‘If this continues, why do we need a justice system?’  I am in support of having these criminal career prisoners ban from ever taking weekend parole.  In fact weekend parole should be abolished for any prisoners for that matter. 

I believed there is more harm than good that comes out of these prisoners coming out on weekends and breaking the laws again and harassing and frightening the community.  They are in prison for a reason and should be kept there until their terms have been served.  Any rehabilitation should be done within the walls of the prison to safeguard the public from these people.

On the other side of the justice system, I was appalled at a couple of decisions made in regards to cases where a prominent judge and a rugby player were not acquitted for breaking the law.  I am not a lawyer or well verse with the law, but common sense tells me that if you break the law, you should face consequences no matter who you are. 

These decisions now allow anyone to hit someone with a bottle and not get punished, as well as to drive under the influence of alcohol and without a driver’s license and go free.  What do these tell the community?  That if you are a judge or lawyer and a rugby player it’s ok to break the laws.

Would this apply to a farmer, a volley ball player and a common village person?  To reason that it harms their standing and reputation and careers is a pathetic excuse. 

What about the victim? What does that make the Police officers who are enforcing the laws?  So what if the person plays rugby for Manu Samoa or a judge?  While the majority of the judges are doing a great job in dealing with the court there are a few blemishes that just do not add up and it takes away the faith and trust of the people in the justice system, so as you said ‘why have it?’

 

Ma le faaaloalo lava,

A bush lawyer

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