[Eff-1]

Thank goodness. Can't believe this guy thought he could get away with that.

B.C. Mountie found guilty in deadly crash - British Columbia - CBC News (http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2012/03/23/bc-monty-robinson-verdict.html)

[GGnoRE]

Wow, this guys on another trial for tasing people to death. Seems like we found a pretty bad cop.

[spyker]

So glad this POS did not get away with this sickening crime,if he did,it would have been proof that RCMP are above the law.

[unit]

YES

[91civicZC]

The real question will be how he will be sentenced. He’s out on Bail right now.

My guess is no jail time.

[JD¹³]

RCMP should fire him immediately, no pension, no benefits. The guy is a 2-time killer, lying piece of shit, and disgrace to anyone who wears the badge.

[spyker]

The real question will be how he will be sentenced. He’s out on Bail right now.

My guess is no jail time.

I would be more than satisfied if he lost his job instead.

Losing a government police pension hurts alot more than a few months of your freedom.

[xpl0sive]

lol this guy kills two people and is walking around a free man. must be nice to be a cop

[spyker]

lol this guy kills two people and is walking around a free man. must be nice to be a cop

The law very rarely sends cops to jail,cause they know they will be a target for all the inmates,it's like throwing a chicken into a fox den,you will already know the outcome of that.

[spyker]

RCMP should fire him immediately, no pension, no benefits. The guy is a 2-time killer, lying piece of shit, and disgrace to anyone who wears the badge.

+10000000000000000000000000000000000

We don't need corrupt police officers like him patrolling the streets.

[Psykopathik]

The law very rarely sends cops to jail,cause they know they will be a target for all the inmates,it's like throwing a chicken into a fox den,you will already know the outcome of that.

The chicken will have a very loose asshole?:whistle:

[spyker]

The chicken will have a very loose asshole?:whistle:

He would be extremely lucky if that's all he got away with.

A cop in jail is on par with child molesters....child molesters get murdered in jail.

[GLOW]

RCMP should fire him immediately, no pension, no benefits. The guy is a 2-time killer, lying piece of shit, and disgrace to anyone who wears the badge.

i agree. keeping him on the force would not give the public much confidence in the force.

[unit]

The law very rarely sends cops to jail,cause they know they will be a target for all the inmates,it's like throwing a chicken into a fox den,you will already know the outcome of that.

consider it punishment for being a piece of shit who once swore to uphold the law.

[GGnoRE]

^ yea, I don't blame the inmates for being pissed at crook cops in jail

Imagine you got slapped for doing something wrong. Next thing you know, you see the guy, who slapped you, doing the same shit as you. What would you do? I'd slap him twice.

[LiquidTurbo]

I'd forgotten about this. Times flies.

[mmmk]

Having all his friends+family+acquaintances see him for who he really is what I'm optimistic about. Because he probably won't get much jail time anyways.

[91civicZC]

consider it punishment for being a piece of shit who once swore to uphold the law.

As quoted.

I understand the problem of tossing a cop in jail, but unfortunately I just don’t care how ol Montey gets along behind bars.

[91civicZC]

News 1130 is reporting no jail time for Monty.

[spideyv2]

News 1130 is reporting no jail time for Monty.

http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1007022/2iiaem1_medium_medium_medium.gif

tripleHrage.gif

[kuri]

News 1130 is reporting no jail time for Monty.

And here's the article online:
Monty Robinson won't spend any time in jail - News1130 (http://www.news1130.com/news/local/article/386888--monty-robinson-won-t-spend-any-time-in-jail)

The judge also says Robinson has shown no remorse or guilt throughout this entire process but maintains he qualifies for a conditional sentence for two reasons:

- Robinson is a former police officer and would require protective custody in prision
- Robinson is Aboriginal
Why does being Aboriginal matter?

[jackmeister]

wow.

I thought all special Aboriginal rights are waved when they're off the reserves?

[Gumby]

Wow, in this case, being Aboriginal is totally one of these:

http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20060925185104/monopoly/images/c/c9/Get_out_of_jail_free.gif

[murd0c]

Our justice system at its finest...

[Berzerker]

And yet I did 60 days in jail for breaking a guys jaw when he grabbed my GF's ass in a Bar.

Fuck you justice system.

Berz out.

[GLOW]

anyone know if he got fired and lost his pension?

[StylinRed]

the crown isn't asking for a stiff sentence i bet so don't expect much if anything for Robinson


The law very rarely sends cops to jail,cause they know they will be a target for all the inmates,it's like throwing a chicken into a fox den,you will already know the outcome of that.

they would keep cops in a section of jail that's more secure for them just like they do child molesters/rapists

the reason they're lenient on officers is because its hard enough to get people to take on the job as a cop if they started sending them to jail or give them stiffer sentences than the average person enrollment rates would drop

and there was already a scare with enrollment rates dropping a decade or so (maybe 2 now cant recall) ago and the rcmp had to loosen up the strings on recruitment so you got more assholes undeserving of the position recruited as evidenced i guess you could say

[Gridlock]

I can see not wanting to send him to jail because he's a cop. It sucks, but I get it. Basically, putting him in protective custody because of his job is unfair treatment. However...I can also make the case that he used his status as a police officer to interfere with the investigation. So, he gets it both ways?

But to even mention that his aboriginal status is a factor is the part that is truly disturbing.

So here's my solution...you can't really go to jail, ok. And your aboriginal status is a mitigating factor. OK. You can serve time in a combination of rehab and house arrest. Two birds, one stone.

[freakshow]

the reason they're lenient on officers is because its hard enough to get people to take on the job as a cop if they started sending them to jail or give them stiffer sentences than the average person enrollment rates would drop

and there was already a scare with enrollment rates dropping a decade or so (maybe 2 now cant recall) ago and the rcmp had to loosen up the strings on recruitment so you got more assholes undeserving of the position recruited as evidenced i guess you could say

I've had a few friends apply, and they always told me how hard it is to get in based on the number of competing applicants..

[Redlines_Daily]

anyone know if he got fired and lost his pension?

He resigned from his post 1 week ago. Not sure about the pension.

The house arrest is based on the obstruction of justice charge. Did he get additional sentencing for manslaughter or just the obstruction charge?

[Happy]

I guess killing someone then running away from the scene afterwards only deserves up to a maximum of 10 years if you're a rcmp officer, I wonder how many years it would be for a normal person? Pretty bs how lightly this shit gets treated inside the rcmp

[Mr.C]

Well, I thought Brazil was the best country to get away with murder or manslaughter. Guess I was wrong.

[Vale46Rossi]

Fuck this guy. Fucking load of shit.

[StylinRed]

I've had a few friends apply, and they always told me how hard it is to get in based on the number of competing applicants..

yes there's still a screen its just the holes are bigger than they used to be




1 month house arrest :fuckthatshit:

[SpuGen]

Heard it on the Radio on my way home earlier.

Didn't catch all of it, only the "No Jail time because he's Native" part on AM730.

Can someone explain to me how Natives can get away with manslaughter and Obstruction of justice?

[StylinRed]

Can someone explain to me how Natives can get away with manslaughter and Obstruction of justice?

they can't really but there are considerations in place for natives due to their dire situation/mistreatment

its meant to further assist rehabilitation for troubled youths and it really shouldn't have been used in this instance

even native chiefs voiced their distaste over it being used for Monty Robinson

this is just the govt looking out for the police once again

[will068]

And yet I did 60 days in jail for breaking a guys jaw when he grabbed my GF's ass in a Bar.

Fuck you justice system.

Berz out.


Bullshit indeed. That guy you beat up should get 60 days in jail for assaulting a woman.

[tarobbt]

So he kills a man while drunk driving and he doesn't get hit with anything?

I bet the OSMV sent him a letter saying he is scott free because he brought in all the revenue from operating road blocks :okay:

[bing]

Heard it on the Radio on my way home earlier.

Didn't catch all of it, only the "No Jail time because he's Native" part on AM730.

Can someone explain to me how Natives can get away with manslaughter and Obstruction of justice?

Section 718.2(e) of the Criminal Code, as well as the Supreme Court of Canada in R. v. Gladue, [1999] 1 S.C.R. 688 have stated that Judges should account for these considerations when making sentencing decisions. Gladue asks judges to apply a method of analysis that recognizes the adverse background cultural impact factors that many Aboriginals face. In a Gladue analysis these factors, if present in their personal history, work to mitigate or reduce the culpability of offenders. Judges are then asked to consider all reasonable alternatives to jail in light of this. Such an analysis, then, is more likely to lead to a restorative justice remedy being used either in place of a jail sentence or combined with a reduced term.

From what I understood in my criminal law class.

Also, the penalty for obstruction of justice is only max 2 years in prison.

[BMW M5]

They must of made a under the table deal with him or something. Telling him to quit in exchange for no jail time.

This is just total bullshit and its going to set a standard for other people out there that you can get off easy by doing the same. They should of thrown the book at him and set an example.

[SpuGen]

From what I understood in my criminal law class.
Section 718.2(e) of the Criminal Code, as well as the Supreme Court of Canada in R. v. Gladue, [1999] 1 S.C.R. 688 have stated that Judges should account for these considerations when making sentencing decisions. Gladue asks judges to apply a method of analysis that recognizes the adverse background cultural impact factors that many Aboriginals face. In a Gladue analysis these factors, if present in their personal history, work to mitigate or reduce the culpability of offenders. Judges are then asked to consider all reasonable alternatives to jail in light of this. Such an analysis, then, is more likely to lead to a restorative justice remedy being used either in place of a jail sentence or combined with a reduced term.

The fuck kinda bullshit is that.

There is no other "PC" way I can word it before somebody blames me for turning this thread into a Native Hate thread.

What a load of shit.

[Gridlock]

Bullshit indeed. That guy you beat up should get 60 days in jail for assaulting a woman.

I don't know, but in my world touching a girl's ass in a bar does not equal getting pummeled by a guy...but that's just me.

[westopher]

Once again Canada, our justice system becomes a laughing stock. He wasn't a troubled native youth living on a reserve. His background shouldn't have the slightest bit of relevance in this case. He killed someone "by accident" (criminal negligence)

[bing]

The fuck kinda bullshit is that.

There is no other "PC" way I can word it before somebody blames me for turning this thread into a Native Hate thread.

What a load of shit.

It is hard to explain without having an actual conversation. National surveys of public opinion on attitudes towards Aboriginals do reveal a low level of knowledge about their issues and a strong reluctance to grant them special status.

However, as a colonized minority Aboriginals were denied self-government, removed from their land and livelihood, and transformed by European culture. Their social structure was significantly eroded and their place within Canadian society become perpetually disadvantaged - which is what the Gladue decision recognizes. Besides the many overt racist policies designed to assimilate Aboriginals, children were forcefully taken from their parents and put in residential schools, not allowed to speak the language or practice their culture, many were also physically, sexually, and mentally abused, etc. Today, the cycle continues, many have had children and they have no idea how to be a parent.

[LiquidTurbo]

It is hard to explain without having an actual conversation. National surveys of public opinion on attitudes towards Aboriginals do reveal a low level of knowledge about their issues and a strong reluctance to grant them special status.

However, as a colonized minority Aboriginals were denied self-government, removed from their land and livelihood, and transformed by European culture. Their social structure was significantly eroded and their place within Canadian society become perpetually disadvantaged - which is what the Gladue decision recognizes. Besides the many overt racist policies designed to assimilate Aboriginals, children were forcefully taken from their parents and put in residential schools, not allowed to speak the language or practice their culture, many were also physically, sexually, and mentally abused, etc. Today, the cycle continues, many have had children and they have no idea how to be a parent.

So what exactly does that have to do with mowing down a person while drunk and getting away with it?

[bing]

^This is what the Gladue decision recognizes and the judge in this case probably had to take into account that into account along with other sentencing guidelines such as the principle of 'stare decisis' aka precedent. I find it hard to believe that judges, who are some of the smartest people in the country, would make decisions that seem illogical to the rest of us without good justifications. Not only do you need a killer GPA to get into a decent law school in the first place (3.5GPA + decent LSAT / lower GPA + 85-95 percentile LSAT), but you need many years of experience first as a lawyer, then starting off as a lower court judge (you need a referral(s)? and 10 years experience to get the opportunity). This alone suggests that judges have to consider a wide range of factors when making a decision that can often times be very complex. This is the part that is not always clear to the public.

RCMP Corporal Benjamin Monty Robinson won't be charged with drunk driving, manslaughter, vehicular homicide, leaving the scene of an accident, or failing to provide assistance to the man he left dying on a darkened
street more than a year ago.

He was only charged with obstruction of justice here. Why not manslaughter or criminal negligence? In BC and in two other provinces, the charges are approved by the Crown, who are lawyers themselves working for the government. In every charge decision, the prosecutor considers two things: is there enough evidence and whether it is in the public interest. In this case, it is in the public interest and if they are not charging him, they must think they have insufficient evidence. This has nothing to do with the fact he is a "cop", this is a high profile case and it is in the best interest of the system to have him charged and convicted on more serious charges.

edit:

In a prepared statement, the Criminal Justice Branch (CJB) justified the decision, saying Senior prosecutors with the branch have concluded that the available evidence does not establish to the criminal standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt, that at the time of the collision Cpl. Robinson had a blood alcohol level over the legal limit.

http://www.texascriminalattorneyblog.com/burden%20of%20proof.jpg\

Understanding each of these levels will give you a better understanding of what "beyond a reasonable doubt" means. The standard is set high on purpose so that we do not wrongfully convict people (but keep in mind that even with this threshold it is still possible to make errors)

[MindBomber]

It is hard to explain without having an actual conversation. National surveys of public opinion on attitudes towards Aboriginals do reveal a low level of knowledge about their issues and a strong reluctance to grant them special status.

However, as a colonized minority Aboriginals were denied self-government, removed from their land and livelihood, and transformed by European culture. Their social structure was significantly eroded and their place within Canadian society become perpetually disadvantaged - which is what the Gladue decision recognizes. Besides the many overt racist policies designed to assimilate Aboriginals, children were forcefully taken from their parents and put in residential schools, not allowed to speak the language or practice their culture, many were also physically, sexually, and mentally abused, etc. Today, the cycle continues, many have had children and they have no idea how to be a parent.

Well said.

Special considerations is given to aboriginal people at the time of sentencing for very good reason. Unfortunately, most people are so resentful that aboriginal people receive benefits beyond those of the ordinary Canadian, it's difficult to educate the reasons behind special considerations at sentencing.

[MisterMu]

Well said.

Special considerations is given to aboriginal people at the time of sentencing for very good reason. Unfortunately, most people are so resentful that aboriginal people receive benefits beyond those of the ordinary Canadian, it's difficult to educate the reasons behind special considerations at sentencing.

By the same logic, children of Chinese railroad workers who had their parents blown up should be able to get lighter sentences for murder and manslaughter.

[Porschedog]

The law very rarely sends cops to jail,cause they know they will be a target for all the inmates,it's like throwing a chicken into a fox den,you will already know the outcome of that.

Isn't that good then. It would send a message to other cops that they won't hesitate to throw them in prison if they go against the law.

[MindBomber]

By the same logic, children of Chinese railroad workers who had their parents blown up should be able to get lighter sentences for murder and manslaughter.

Please, educate yourself before giving opinions like the one you've given; the harsh conditions faced by Chinese railroad workers does not even remotely compare to the governments policies against Aboriginal people. Also, Monty Robinson was found guilty of obstruction of justice and given a lighter sentence, not murder or manslaughter.

[bing]

Thank goodness. Can't believe this guy thought he could get away with that.

B.C. Mountie found guilty in deadly crash - British Columbia - CBC News (http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2012/03/23/bc-monty-robinson-verdict.html)

He did get away. He rather be found guilty for obstruction of justice than get charged and convicted for manslaughter or criminal negligence.

[bing]

By the same logic, children of Chinese railroad workers who had their parents blown up should be able to get lighter sentences for murder and manslaughter.

This is not comparable.

[spyker]

Isn't that good then. It would send a message to other cops that they won't hesitate to throw them in prison if they go against the law.

As much as I would like to see cops go to jail for their crimes committed,it's a very bad idea and the courts know this.

The only option for a cop when he/she goes to jail is the hole,it's where they will be doing their time.You can't put them in general population cause they will be deadmeat,can't put them in PC cause the goofs,rats and skinners will want to kill them too.

You need to remember that cops are people too,locking them up in a room alone 23 hours a day for 3-6 months will drive any sane human crazy.

[bing]

^I don't know if they do this, but maybe they can move them to a prison on the other side of the country where people are less likely to know who they are.

Btw, jail is for people awaiting trial or for short durations while prison is longer term and for people who are convicted. There's also a distinction between provincial run (2 years less a day) and federal (2 years+).

[quasi]

As much as I would like to see cops go to jail for their crimes committed,it's a very bad idea and the courts know this.

The only option for a cop when he/she goes to jail is the hole,it's where they will be doing their time.You can't put them in general population cause they will be deadmeat,can't put them in PC cause the goofs,rats and skinners will want to kill them too.

You need to remember that cops are people too,locking them up in a room alone 23 hours a day for 3-6 months will drive any sane human crazy.

To be fair cops shouldn't be doing things that are going to put them in jail, they are suppose to be better then your average citizen especially when it comes to obeying the laws. If they do break the laws just like anybody else they have to live with the consequences. It's not any different then some gang member that has enemies in jail really, you make your bed sleep in it. It's a pretty messed up Country if cops can walk around with impunity good or bad. Like my daddy always told me if you can't do the time don't do the crime.

[dvst8]

What a failed justice system.

[minoru_tanaka]

Please, educate yourself before giving opinions like the one you've given; the harsh conditions faced by Chinese railroad workers does not even remotely compare to the governments policies against Aboriginal people. Also, Monty Robinson was found guilty of obstruction of justice and given a lighter sentence, not murder or manslaughter.

Chinese railroad workers were not just abused by whites but also First Nations people. Doesn't give me the right as a descendant of someone abused to abuse the descendant of someone who might have abused someone who was the same race as me.

Nor should I be given leniency for committing a crime due it. If anything people should just be offered more help not more leeway

[Iceman_2K]

Guy got the easy way out.....pathetic...

[MindBomber]

Chinese railroad workers were not just abused by whites but also First Nations people. Doesn't give me the right as a descendant of someone abused to abuse the descendant of someone who might have abused someone who was the same race as me.

Nor should I be given leniency for committing a crime due it. If anything people should just be offered more help not more leeway

No, no, no, you really do not understand the subject and should educate yourself to gain a real base of knowledge before commenting.

Leniency is not given because the descendants of First Nations people should be entitled to abuse the descendants of the abusers, not even close. No person or community has any right to abuse or take advantage of another community, regardless of mediating factors. Leniency is granted as a reflection of the fact that the current state of First Nations society fosters addiction and in turn crime, and incarceration and other traditionally European methods of retributive justice that consider solely the offender will not aid in healing the society as whole. Quite the opposite, incarcerating members of the First Nations community who came to their circumstances as a result of the environment they were raised in will perpetuate the issues. Now, the inevitable rebuttal is that First Nations people should not be given special consideration. First Nations people are given special consideration however, because as a society they did not naturally develop the issues that exist today. The issues within First Nations society came about as a direct result of centuries of racist government policies against them across North America, and especially in Canada. Those racist policies only truly were exterminated less than two decades ago and the individual nations are diligently working at rebuilding. The help of the government recognizes the damage it did in prior centuries and its need to make reparations by aiding the first nations community in rebuilding.

Now, the really important bit.

Chinese railroad workers compared to the entire First Nations community.

About 15,700 Chinese worked on the railroad. Those workers who wished to work for the railroad were not enslaved, they took the job by choice, were remunerated for services, and many left and found other work. The injustices were that Chinese workers were paid about thirty percent less than other races, were required to purchase equipment others races were provided with, and were not given equal access to hospital services in comparison to other races. It's also frequently mentioned that Chinese workers were not prepared for the harsh Canadian winters, but that's a fact common to all frontier and pioneering people that immigrated to Canada.

Did racially motivated injustices take place?
No doubt, but objectively they were not all that heinous, widespread, or long lasting.

In comparison, the treatment of First Nations people stands as the most shameful series of actions in Canadian history. I'll provide a few points on Residential Schools to demonstrate why you cannot compare racism against Chinese railroad workers to that against First Nations people.

-Residential Schools open in the mid-1850's and the last closed in 1996.
- Residential Schools began as a method of assimilating First Nations people into European society with the unspoken long term goal of breaking up the community to free up land for development.
- Residential Schools had the goal of stripping First Nations children of their culture in every way. Religion, language, stories, tradition, subsistence lifestyle, connection to ancestral lands, and convert them into Christians totally disconnected from and ashamed of their heritage.
- Residential Schools were essentially mandatory; it was the only option for government education of FN children, and if parents did not agree to send children away they would lose government benefits and food rations, which were essential due the European impact on the land that was previously the base of subsistence living.
- First Nations children endured routine sexual, physical and emotional abuse, deprivation and loneliness in Residential Schools.
- Children were moved to Residential Schools hundreds of kilometers from their families, whom they only spent two months a year with.

There's just a few brief points, maybe now you and the others will understand why the mistreatment of Chinese on a single construction project cannot and should not be compared to that of First Nations people in Canada.

[minoru_tanaka]

^Aware of all that. But you can't just have lower expectations for First Nations people.

If you let people get away with things, well guess what, they will do it.

You can look at the chinese, you can look at the Jews. Jew's had been living suppressed for thousands of years and received know leniency. They were expected to be more clever. So look at the US where they are the wealthiest group despite a lot of people still being predjudice against them.

[Shades]

^
Were the Jewish children sexually abused because Native children definitely were.

[minoru_tanaka]

^No every christian and muslim gave then candy and sung them lullabies.

Tell a kid that they're smart and they'll try to act smart. They read more, they'll do math questions and solve puzzles. Tell a kid he's stupid and he'll grow up tihnking he's incapable.

Tell a first nations person that because their parents and grandparents were abused so they'll unlikely be able to follow the law? Well guess what's going to happen.

Better to tell them that they come from a great people who weren't able to fight off the europeans(everyone loses someday) and were forced to suffer thru hard times but that can and will overcome.

[bing]

I should add, section 718.2(e) is not a 'get out of free jail card', it is only a guiding principle that requires Courts take into account circumstances facing Aboriginals and taking into account all reasonable alternatives to incarceration.

I mean, if they were letting everyone go, how are Aboriginals still over-represented at every stage of the criminal justice process and in the prison populations?

[bing]

You can look at the chinese, you can look at the Jews. Jew's had been living suppressed for thousands of years and received know leniency. They were expected to be more clever. So look at the US where they are the wealthiest group despite a lot of people still being predjudice against them.

The big difference between these groups for me is that this is Aboriginal land that was taken away by Europeans and the government sponsored the systematic dismantling of their culture, which they are still suffering heavily as a result. Whereas the Chinese and Jews had a choice to come here and they are not suffering to the extent of Aboriginals who are facing high levels of poverty and addiction.

[minoru_tanaka]

The big difference between these groups for me is that this is Aboriginal land that was taken away by Europeans and the government sponsored the systematic dismantling of their culture, which they are still suffering heavily as a result. Whereas the Chinese and Jews had a choice to come here and they are not suffering to the extent of Aboriginals who are facing high levels of poverty and addiction.

Disregard what happened there, it was horrible. Stop reminding them they were treated as savages. Tell them they will be treated like scum for acting like scum.

Only aboriginal guy I grew up with, he wasn't called chug on a daily basis. His friends called him that as friends give each other a hard time. We gave him a hard time for not going to university cause it was free for him but only because it was free. Nobody said he was native so he was less capable. He was treated like any other asian who didn't make it. He was ribbed for not fulfilling his potential like any other of us. He's got a decent job, he's not rich and he's not poor, makes a living like the rest of his friends. He wasnt given a free pass to be a fuck up and he didn't. I know small sample but he doesn't say I'm going to go back to the reserve and wait to get land and money. He does say tho that if they give it to him he will take it just like any shrewd chinaman he grew up with who treated him like another shrewd chinaman. And his brother hung out with greeks and italians, also does just fine. Don't know too much about him

Im just saying it's expectations. Well they wont work for everyone but that's the same for everyone else

[dvst8]

Well said.

Special considerations is given to aboriginal people at the time of sentencing for very good reason. Unfortunately, most people are so resentful that aboriginal people receive benefits beyond those of the ordinary Canadian, it's difficult to educate the reasons behind special considerations at sentencing.

Good reason? When is it Ok for someone to get away with murder? The past has nothing to do with this case. Nothing. Monty's getting a free ride off this outdated aboriginal law. This sets a bad example future cases involving aboriginals. We don't need to be educated about the special considerations. Its common sense that when person A kills person B they should be punished. Even Monkeys know that. Its foolish laws that fuck up cases like these.

Last time I checked it was 2012. Everyone is born on this earth equally. Its nobodies land.

[MindBomber]

^Again, aboriginal status is not a factor in whether a person is charged or found guilty. It is only considered at the time of sentencing.

That fact has been repeated throughout this thread.

[dvst8]

^ uh yea...no need to repeat.
What I am trying to say is it shouldn't be used at any point. This is just a 'Get out of jail because I am Native' card. With all do respects to Aboriginals, we don't care what the past has to do with this case. The law should make the playing fields equal and have a race card for everyone else. Every nationality has faced hardship. Not just the Natives.

[MindBomber]

^ uh yea...no need to repeat.
What I am trying to say is it shouldn't be used at any point. This is just a 'Get out of jail because I am Native' card. With all do respects to Aboriginals, we don't care what the past has to do with this case. The law should make the playing fields equal and have a race card for everyone else. Every nationality has faced hardship. Not just the Natives.

Okay, the way you phrased your sentence, it sounded as if you were under the misconception that Robinson's Aboriginal status played a role in the charges.

Every race has faced hardship at some point in history if you go back far enough; however, the systematic racism that occurred in Canada was very unique, and far more damaging in many respects, compared to most other cases. That systematic racism has lead to the current state of aboriginal society in Canada, which is quite low. As a country, Canada now wants to undo the damage it did, and not simply apologize and move on. Success, failure, addiction, crime, is heavily passed on from one generation to the next. Section 718.2(e) seeks to help break the current cycle by not simply incarcerating a criminal, but to seek a way to better help reform the person being sentenced (which should be done in every sentencing decision regardless of race, imo). Section 718.2(e) being referred to as a 'get out of jail free card' is a bit of a misnomer in truth, because it doesn't prevent Aboriginal people from seeing jail time, only mandates judges to consider whether it is the best possible approach.

It's not perfect way of handling this issue, but it's not a perfect system. Even I have hesitations in the exact approach taken by Section 718.2(e), because a more narrow definition of what should be considered as alternatives to prison would greatly improve effectiveness. Still, my over riding thought is that a mostly good approach is better than none at all, because the problems will be prolonged much longer without intervention (on every level, government, nations, bands, individual reserves).