🚀 go-pugleaf

bmosher@fraser.sfu.ca (Barry Mosher) writes:

>The reason the protesters plead 'not guilty' and are upset with both
>their convictions and sentences is that they were charged with
>CRIMINAL contempt of court...  

It is my understanding that those wishing to plead guilty to the
charge of civil contempt could do so, and 6 people took advantage of
that.

The court order was clear and to the point. MB had the legal right to
log, and those people who attempted to stop MB were violating a court
order.

>If their actions aren't civil
>in nature then I don't know what is!  To be convicted of criminal
>contempt it must be shown that the actions were design to 'put
>the court in disrepute'.  Only the court can do that!

The actions of blockading the road may have been civil contempt, but
the actions of violation a court order was criminal contempt.

>Another complaint is the severity of the sentences when car thieves,
>drug users, and tax evaders get suspended sentences!  It's my
>opinion that the court is strongly biased in this case.

Of course the court is biased against those who violate court orders.

People who fail to show up for court can and will be jailed.

Those who violate a court order should know what the penalties are and
consider the consequences.

The penalties imposed were a long way from the maximum penalties.

My guess is that the next batch of protestors will face even harsher
sentencing, and will deserve it.