This morning I was at my local coffee shop enjoying a fresh brew, a bran muffin and a read of the newspaper when I overheard a conversation of a couple of men in the booth behind me. I'm sure we've had that experience of someone being so loud that one could hear everything being said. Usually I give people their privacy but this was an interesting conversation. So I quietly looked ahead kept my eyes glued to my newspaper and listened to what they were saying.
There were a number of topics discussed. One was about a small business owner who was in a legal battle against a big corporation. After a long strung out litigation and spending a sizable chunk of money with ongoing legal costs the small business owner eventually decided to give up. The two men talked about how our current justice system does not really protect the little guy and how it is really designed for the rich or corporations with deep pockets.
Somehow China was involved but they said China doesn't recognize our legal system. Both men observed that the big company could cut out the little guy but they couldn't stop China. After that little tidbit I then faded out and went back to my newspaper.
When I arrived at home I logged on to my computer and one of the first articles I read was James Bow's post about David and Goliath. The post tells the story of Rami Tabello of illegalsigns.ca who has made it his purpose to bring to light those who are doing illegal billboard advertising in the city of Toronto. Interesting to note that his organization has identified some big media companies who appear to be breaking the law. The big corporations are threatening to take Rami's volunteer organization to court. As an individual with limited financial resources what defense does he have? This example shows one the major problems with our current legal system. The average person cannot afford to pay for justice.
The conversation brought to mind an article I read in the Toronto Star last month called "The Dark Side of Justice" by Tracey Tyler. The article sites how a growing number of Canadians cannot afford to legally defend their rights, and many are choosing to represent themselves in court often with tragic consequences. This is the huge reality and tragedy of our justice system today.
This is another area where I want to focus discussion because society needs to look at ways of creating equal access to justice for everyone. In Canada we have the Charter of Rights and Freedoms however regardless of what it says about Justice and Rights for all, the charter is not delivering that promise.
The Internet, through blogging and the power of grassroots communication is having a positive impact. For Illegal Signs Toronto city counsel is taking notice. Over time I hope these grassroots movements can effect change to our legal system, and give everyone that equal access to justice that should be a constitutional right. No one should have to go bankrupt in defending their right to justice.
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