Emily Quint, who accused a man of sexual assault nearly three years ago, says she regrets pursuing the case after enduring a frustrating legal process. Her case was stayed last year due to delays in the trial, a result of the 2016 Supreme Court decision that set time limits for cases. Quint’s trial, originally scheduled for July 2023, couldn’t proceed within the 18-month limit, and the case was stayed just before the trial resumed in November.
Quint’s experience reflects a troubling trend in Ontario’s justice system. Data shows that since 2020, the majority of criminal cases have ended without a trial decision, often due to delays. In the 2022-23 fiscal year, 56% of cases were stayed, withdrawn, or dismissed before trial—up 14% from a decade ago. Factors contributing to this include pandemic backlogs, increasing digital evidence, and a shortage of resources within the court system.
The Ontario government has committed $29 million to hire additional judges and staff, but experts argue this is insufficient to address the systemic issues. In 2023, 59 sexual assault cases were stayed due to delays, the highest number since the time limit was implemented. This backlog has led to frustration among victims, investigators, and prosecutors alike, who warn that it erodes public trust in the justice system.
Quint’s case, and others like it, show how delays are causing harm to victims, undermining their faith in the legal process. With mounting pressure for reforms, experts continue to call for more resources to ensure that cases are heard on time and that justice is served.
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