Ontario's Court of Appeal rules convicted killer should have publicly funded lawyer
Despite being turned down four times by Legal Aid, Ontario's Appeal Court has ruled today Michael Rafferty should get a publicly funded lawyer for an appeal of his murder conviction.
Appeal Court Justice Marc Rosenberg has ruled saying in the interests of justice, Rafferty should have a lawyer for his appeal. Rosenberg says that should be funded by Legal Aid Ontario or the government.
Rafferty is trying to appeal his 2012 murder conviction in the kidnapping and murder of 8-year-old Victoria Stafford.
The case will be sent back to Legal Aid, and if refused again, Rosenburg says Rafferty's lawyer should be paid by the Attorney General's office.
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Wednesday, 11 December 2013 23:47
First off, this little blurb contains almost none of the facts on which Justice Marc Rosenberg based his ruling. In fact in the manner and lack of substance in which this blurb was written, I would suggest that the writer's intent was simply to 'stir the pot' to get as many negative comments going as he/she could. I also wish we had a say in how our tax dollars get spent here, and I also wish we had capital punishment for these types of cases.
Wednesday, 11 December 2013 09:54
This is just absolutely disgusting! Our so called "justice" system is a big joke. The criminals have all the rights and the innocent victims and general public have none according to this decision. We need to grow a backbone and hand out harsher punishments (in this case nothing short of capital punishment).
Tuesday, 10 December 2013 19:42
This is typical of the Canadian Justice System. We pay to defend the guilty and/or we let them out of jail early. It's time for the justice system to undergo some changes.
Tuesday, 10 December 2013 16:02
what a load of bull! as taxpayers we should have say in where our tax dollars are being spent, Government is way to careless.. hence the deficit! They didnt work for that money .. We did!
Tuesday, 10 December 2013 15:58
This is just plain wrong and an affront to Tori's family and all law abiding citizens. This is not what I pay a great deal in taxes for. NO, NO, NO!!!!!
Tuesday, 10 December 2013 14:49
I think this is absolutely terrible and certainly in no way "justice" where is the justice for the little girl that lost her life!!!! There is no way I want one penny of my tax dollars to support legal costs for any such offender.