Why do we need judges?

Why do we need judges?

The simple fact is that in life people living together in a community have disputes with each other, and with their government:

It may be about a bill that isn’t paid;

 Or a neighbour’s dog getting loose and injuring your toddler;
 Or your father slips in the shopping centre parking lot;
 Or you are fired from a job;
 Or the government comes after you for back taxes said to be owing;
 Or the engine in the car you just bought blows up a week after you purchased it;
 Or the golf club where you bought a lifetime membership goes bankrupt;
 Or you suffer terrible food poisoning after eating in a local restaurant and are off work for two months;
 Or your daughter is charged with murder;
 Or your spouse is badly injured in a motorcycle crash;
 Or you almost die following surgery because of alleged negligence of the attending doctor and nursing staff;
 Or you didn’t get the cottage lot you thought had been promised to you in your grandfather’s will because some other
relative persuaded him to change his mind;
 Or people divorce and they can’t agree on custody and support for the children; and
 Or the legislature adopts a law that violates your constitutional right to vote or to free speech.

These are just examples of the kinds of problems and disputes people run up against every day in any Country.

Laws make us feel safe and secure as we go about our daily lives because we know that most people will obey them. But
laws also ensure that citizens do not take matters into their own hands and seek vengeance if they, members of their family,
or their friends are victimized.

We no longer joust with lances on horses or challenge each other to a duel. In order to get on with life, people have to have
somebody to decide the disagreement between them. Those chosen for this task are judges.

Our courts and tribunals provide an independent and impartial forum to deal with these disputed issues.

A judge (paid and maintained by Tax Money)  – a person who is legally trained and sworn to uphold the Rule of Law – will determine what the law means, whether it has been broken and, if it has, the consequences for those responsible.

SOURCE: Canadian Judicial Council-2016