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opinion

Justice delayed after a riot is a terrible idea. Yet only two people have been charged in connection with the Vancouver riots, two months after they happened. In London and Manchester, by contrast, more than 1,000 people have been charged, and some have already been tried, convicted and sentenced – within days of the last riot. Some courts even heard cases on Saturday and Sunday.

The swift British approach is essential. When thugs are allowed to take over the streets, whether for a few nights, as in London and beyond, or one night, as in Vancouver, people need to see justice done. Swift justice sends the message that order will triumph over chaos – not six months or a year from now, but immediately. The swiftness is essential to justice's purpose in making society whole again.

The authorities helped create the public's expectation of prompt justice. "We are going to vigorously pursue those lawbreakers," Vancouver Chief Constable Jim Chu declared. Premier Christy Clark said the province would pay for the police investigation (a task force of more than 30 officers was reportedly set up), and establish a team of prosecutors who would lay charges and seek tough sentences. "We are going to send a strong message of deterrence…If you are responsible, we will hold you responsible."

Now the police and the province offer a litany of excuses. Too much evidence to sift through. A fear that people might be charged with something small when they did something big. On top of the two cases in which charges were laid, police said in June they had recommended charges in six other cases – but the Crown has yet to approve those charges.

The criminal-justice system seems as overwhelmed by the challenge as the police did when the rioters first took them by surprise. This was a well-documented event, with witnesses, photos and video, Facebook confessions. Never mind Facebook; more than 30 people walked into police stations and turned themselves in. London found a way to lay charges. Why can't British Columbia do the same?

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