A society representing legal professionals in B.C. says a “critical” shortage of court sheriffs is leading to delays in the justice system, and is calling on the province to fix it.
The Trial Lawyers Association of B.C. says the shortage of sheriffs, who are responsible for transporting the accused to court and providing courtroom security, has an especially high impact on criminal cases.
The association points to May 27, when two cases were delayed due to inadequate sheriff staffing, which left lawyers and prosecutors waiting and “compromised the judicial process.”
“The current shortage of sheriffs is a severe issue that directly impacts the administration of justice,” said association president Michael Elliott in a news release issued Friday. “The Attorney General’s office, responsible for ensuring adequate staffing of sheriffs, must take immediate steps to resolve this crisis.”
CTV News has reached out to the Ministry of the Attorney General for comment …