Judgment has been rendered in two high-profile cases: Guy Lafleur’s civil suit against the police and the Crown, and the criminal prosecution against Lise Thibault, the former lieutenant-governor. Perhaps justice has been served in both cases, but not necessarily the appearance of justice.
Lafleur was unsuccessful in his bid to claim damages. But was it really necessary to have arrested him in the first place, instead of just issuing a summons?
Now take Thibault’s case. What purpose did handcuffing and perp-wheeling her out of the courthouse serve? She is 76 years old and a paraplegic. It is also reported that she has become a virtual recluse. What is to be gained by her incarceration?
Howard M. Greenfield, Montreal
