Free The First Stone by Don Aker

these is Parliament or the provincial legislature, not the courtroom.”
    Reef had no idea what she was talking about, but he could sense movement behind him. The reporters at the back.
    The judge paused again, was rewarded with silence, then continued. “Despite the fact that the public is demanding stiffer punishments, I firmly believe that punishment is not the way to dissuade individuals like yourself from committing crimes such as this one. Numerous studies have shown that incarceration of young people only leads to further instances of criminal behavior. A case in point is your own prior stay at the Riverview Correctional Institute.” A moment passed and, when she spoke again, she addressed the spectators. “More important than fear of punishment is the need for compassion, the need for better choices, the need for young people who commit crimes to recognize that they are and will continue to be membersof a society, and that the actions of everyone in that society impact in some way on every other member.”
    More movement at the back. Reef could hear pens scratching furiously on notepads. Where was this going?
    â€œThe Youth Criminal Justice Act recognizes that there is no quick fix to youth crime. It supports constructive, long-term solutions intended to foster values of respect and accountability. At the heart of the Act is the principle that criminal behaviour will result in meaningful consequences.”
    The judge took off her glasses and folded them carefully, placing them on the file in front of her before continuing. She turned again to Reef. “Mr. Kennedy,” she said, “you have pleaded guilty to criminal acts and, in doing so, have saved the court considerable time and expense. However, you have not shown remorse for your actions.” She shook her head sadly. “In fact, from what I’ve seen in this courtroom, you have demonstrated no concern whatsoever for what you have done.” She paused. “I believe that you need to experience the results of such actions firsthand so you will understand their ramifications and, hopefully, learn to make better choices in the future. I am assigning you to the North Hills Group Home, where you will live for the next twelve months under the supervision of Mr. Frank Colville. When school begins again in the fall, you will attend classes at Bonavista High School, where you will work to your potential.”
    She picked up her glasses and brandished them at Reef; “And you will work, young man. Teachers face enough problems in their classrooms without having to deal with people who are sentenced to school. Ms. Rita Hamilton, principal of Bonavista, has agreed to report directly to me every two weeks on your performance, and I’ll be expecting to hear positive news. If I don’t, you’ll find yourself standing in front of me again.”
    There was now a buzz in the courtroom, and the judge bristled. “If I have to clear this courtroom to be heard, I’ll do it!” she snapped.
    The room fell silent again.
    â€œDuring the school year, you’ll attend classes and take part in at least two extracurricular activities. Judging from the distance you threw that rock, I’d suggest you try track-and-field events like shot put and javelin.” There was sudden laughter from the back of the room, and the judge shot a stern look at the people who had produced it. Returning her attention to Reef, she resumed, “Beginning this summer and continuing through the school year, you will volunteer your help at one of the city’s rehabilitation centers on two weekday afternoons or evenings and every other Saturday. You’ll learn intimately what suffering is all about, young man. Many of the people in those facilities suffer from crippling illnesses. Others are victims of trauma caused by a variety of accidents, including motor vehicle mishaps resulting from careless actions such asyour own.” She