Courtroom challenges limit access to justice for many Canadians: McLachlin

Much has changed in the 25 years since the Charter of Rights and Freedoms was introduced and Canada's court system needs to change too, the country's top judge said Thursday.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin said the courts are now facing growing pains that are limiting access to the justice Canadians deserve

In her speech, Chief Justice McLachlin deplored the fact that courtrooms are “filled” with litigants who cannot afford lawyers and instead try to navigate complicated legal procedures and arguments on their own.

Middle-class Canadians are increasingly frozen out by the cost and complexity of Canada's judicial processes, says the chief justice of the Supreme Court.

LINK: F-email Fightback: Court Challenges Program
LINK: Canada.com - Geoff Nixon
LINK: Globe and Mail
LINK: Vancouver Sun