Vancouver resident Peter Bracchi says ‘while this model has helped some people, we should be alarmed at how quickly it’s evolving into a two-tiered legal system’
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and do not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com
Vancouver has prided itself on innovative approaches to justice, including Community Court programs designed to address homelessness and low-level crime through support services. While this model has helped some people, we should be alarmed at how quickly it’s evolving into a two-tiered legal system — where personal background or political sympathy may now determine whether someone is fully held accountable under the law.
Community Court was never intended to replace the judicial system; it was a workaround — first for unhoused individuals — meant to pair accountability with services. But we are now watching this “alternative justice” model being proposed for alcohol-related offenses, mental illness, and veterans — and it doesn’t stop there.
If we follow the logic being applied, we could soon be looking at community courts for:
• Individuals who commit crimes (DUI, shoplifting, neglect)
• Chronic traffic offenders
• People involved in public fights or bar incidents
• Teens or adults who harass others online
• Repeat animal neglect offenders
• Individuals who commit crimes but say they don’t “agree with the law”
What about next year? Courts for social media influencers? Offenders who were “having a bad day”? People who feel misrepresented politically?
This is not compassionate justice — it’s a road toward legal inconsistency, leniency based on identity, and a breakdown in equal accountability. The justice system must be impartial. Carving out alternate paths for certain offenders undermines public trust and invites abuse.
The answer to community problems is not to dilute the law. It’s to enforce the law fairly, help people access services when needed — and apply the same legal standards to all of us.
Peter Bracchi
Vancouver
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