Justice Education Society of British Columbia

June 26, 2007

Williams Lake Judicial Forum Highlights Community Need for More Justice Related Education

A panel of justice experts, including the Law Courts Education Society, recently came together to offer a free community judicial crime forum to educate and share perspectives with the community of Williams Lake, BC.

Community forums such as this allow those working within the justice system and members of the community to share information and insights with respect to the justice system,” said Karen Hall-Lemon, Law Courts Ed Regional Coordinator and Panel Representative. “We hope that by bringing these groups together in active participation we can increase awareness of the justice processes and services that are available within our communities.”

The Williams Lake panel was organized by Safer Communities, Williams Lake RCMP and consisted of Chief Justice Hugh Stansfield, Crown Counsel, Ollie Kuzma and Law Courts Ed Regional Coordinator, Karen Hall-Lemon. Audience members consisted of community policing, restorative justice personnel, city council, victim services, community courtwatch and the general public.

Primary concerns echoed by the community included a need for more alcohol and drug counseling, the need to change behaviors to lesson criminal activity, the need for more restorative justice and community court avenues and a possible need for court support programs to assist the mentally ill.

Community response to these forums shows us there is a real need for more justice education,” continues, Lemon. “The general public still doesn’t have basic knowledge of the court system, the law or the justice system in general. We hope these kinds of forums, combined with our growing collection of education-related tools will further understanding and increase accessibility within our communities.”

About Law Courts Ed
Since 1989, Law Courts Education Society (LCES) has been dedicated to improving access to the legal system through hands-on, targeted, two-way education between the public and those working in the justice system.

As a non-profit organization with ongoing public and private sector financial and volunteer support, LCES is able to offer a unique and comprehensive collection of justice related educational services and effectively work towards creating a justice system that is accessible to all.

For more information contact

Karen Hall-Lemon, Northern BC Regional Coordinator
Law Courts Education Society
Ph: 250-614-2736
www.lawcourtsed.ca