Thank you, your Honour, for an interesting day in court

Many people cringe at the thought of having to go to court. It is particularly unsavory for anyone who must face the court to answer charges.

That was not the case for my journalism class today. We went to court to cover a case for an assignment. It was a pretty heavy case – or would have been – dealing with sexual assault on a child which is a pretty difficult thing to have to cover and write about. But this was not to be. The Crown decided to not present evidence. This is not quite the same thing as withdrawing charges but it is a way to tell the judge that the Crown has decided not to pursue the case. So the judge acquitted the accused and he was free to go in a matter of minutes. A publication ban prohibits disclosure of the name of the accused to protect the identity of the child.

But that is not the story.