“The wheels of justice turn slowly, but grind exceedingly fine.”
This centuries-old proverb still rings true, and the reality is in a free society in order for justice to have some legitimacy, it is going to take time.
Although it would put many people at ease to have the charges of aggravated assault, pointing a firearm and careless use of a firearm against Edouard Maurice dropped after allegedly coming upon prowlers on his rural residence outside of Okotoks, it isn’t likely to happen anytime soon.
Although not much has happened since the Feb. 24 incident, with claims things are moving too slowly because the Crown has not disclosed all of the evidence as of Maurice’s third court appearance on April 20, it must be remembered it has only been eights weeks since the alleged crime took place.
The Crown must be as fast as possible in providing disclosure — fast but not haphazard.
It is more than possible that Maurice was acting in self-defence — and everyone can sympathize with a person taking any measures needed to protect his property and, most importantly, his young family.
Especially when the individual has to act in the spur of the moment.
The RCMP don’t lay charges willy-nilly and officers must have been aware of the public relations nightmare of charging a man with no record who acted after coming upon alleged prowlers on his property (two other individuals have been charged).
However, if a shot was fired and a person injured, as has been reported, the RCMP and Crown have no option but to investigate and press charges if need be. Maurice may deserve to be set free, but it must be done by going through the process, regardless of public opinion. To fast track a decision would bring justice to a halt.
(Some changes from what appeared in the April 25 issue of the Western Wheel for clarification).
