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Cost of justice
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olution methods. In this category there are also
less obvious costs – for example, missed days at
work, gas money (which can be a significant cost
for those who live in rural or remote areas and
have to travel long distances to the courthouse),
or payment for childcare when people have to
attend a trial.
But, there are also costs in not pursuing or
achieving a resolution. Unresolved legal problems tend to cluster to form a web of inter-
twined issues. Often, social and health costs
are piled onto economic costs at both the personal and public levels. Currie’s earlier surveys
(2005; 2007) have shown that 38% of people who
report an unresolved legal issue develop resulting health or other social problems such as stress,
family breakdown or loss of employment. In a
recent UK study (2009) it was reported that over
50% of those with an unresolved legal problem
needed medical help for stress related illness (see
Pleasence et al, Civil Justice in England & Wales
2009). Put simply: an ineffective justice system
puts a strain on other social services.
The Cost of Justice survey seeks to help us
gain a better understanding of what costs people
face and how much the justice system actually
costs us – both in real dollars, but also in social
capital. The data gleaned by the Cost of Justice
project will help provide the basis for evidencebased policy making and will assist in making
recommendations as to where resources should
be allocated to maximize the administration of
justice for Canadians.
Visit www.cfcj-fcjc.org to find out more about
the Cost of Justice survey. A
A tribute to my first vegetable garden - A true
story
I brought my seeds home and planted each share,
Tomatoes growing large and small,
With little knowledge nor green thumbs to bear,
What was I thinking, had I taken due care?
How my yard would evolve, I was unaware.
Rhubarb spewed out like a ground ball,
Basil and thyme and spinach and all,
Through the grass, the mint did sprawl.
I wanted to grow an herb or two,
It was spring, and a good thing to do.
I had never gardened before, it’s true.
I had no idea what I was getting into.
A few weeks later, seeds started to sprout,
It didn’t take long for the green to come out.
As summer went on, I was left with no doubt,
The garden was something to talk about.
Arugula growing out of control,
Bean sprouts curling up a pole,
Nasturtiums to dress up a salad bowl,
The bounty warmed my heart and soul.
I soon found myself at the gardening store,
With soil and seeds and seedlings galore,
Into my cart the items did pour,
I just couldn’t stop, I had to have more!
Carrots, zucchinis and sugar snap peas,
Pears and peaches, growing on trees,
Strawberries calling the bumble bees,
Beets – golden and red and striped – yes please!
This poem is long, I beg your pardon
I wanted to share my love of my garden. A
JESSICA ROSENBERG