Highly anticipated report on backlogs in B.C. justice system to be released

VANCOUVER – A report into B.C.’s justice system that was prompted by concerns over a significant backlog in the courts is scheduled to be released today.

The provincial government appointed lawyer Geoffrey Cowper in February to conduct a review of the province’s justice system.

That announcement came as a growing list of cases were thrown out because of delays and at least two judges used their rulings to criticize what they complained was a lack of resources in the system.

Cowper was given until the end of July to consult with lawyers, judges, the police and others involved in the justice system, as well as members of the public, and submit his report to the provincial government.

Cowper hasn’t revealed much about what he might recommend, but he suggested in June that reducing pre-trial appearances would go a long way towards tackling court backlog.

He’s also called for a “cultural recognition” within the justice system that timeliness should be a top priority.