Cannabis scheme eases court burden

[Brash]

Author: no byline

Date: Friday, 14 October 2005

Source: ABC News Online

Copyright: © 2005 ABC

Link: article link

 

Cannabis scheme eases court burden

 

A Western Australian Government initiative allowing some people caught with small amounts of cannabis to pay a fine or attend an education session is easing pressure on the courts.

 

Under the system, police can decide not to lay charges if a person is found with less than 30 grams of cannabis or is cultivating up to two non-hydroponic plants.

 

More than 2,500 people were issued with infringement notices in the first year, with most opting to pay a fine.

 

Terry Murphy from the Drug and Alcohol Office, says the number of reported cannabis offences has increased since the scheme was introduced, but the number of people going to court is down.

 

"We've actually seen a drop in the surveys measuring cannabis use and there's been no increase in what might indicate availability such as the amount of cannabis seized by police," he said.

[v dub]

It is a bearable situation in that it is a more just system than previous or other systems. Of course, more ground can be made.

 

I don't see why these offences belong in court in the first place. Almost like a witch hunt.

[shamuss01]

It is a amazing situation, when the so called justice system can find nature against the law?

when will the system learn?

But I guess it is a step in the right direction :scratchin

[Problemchild]

yer good point shamuss