Vancouver resident Peter Bracchi says ‘while this model has helped some people, we should be alarmed at how quickly it’s evolving into a two-tiered legal system’
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and do not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com
Vancouver has prided itself on innovative approaches to justice, including Community Court programs designed to address homelessness and low-level crime through support services. While this model has helped some people, we should be alarmed at how quickly it’s evolving into a two-tiered legal system — where personal background or political sympathy may now determine whether someone is fully held accountable under the law.
Community Court was never intended to replace the judicial system; it was a workaround — first for unhoused individuals — meant to pair accountability with services. But we are now watching this “alternative justice” model being proposed for alcohol-related offenses, mental illness, and veterans — and it doesn’t stop there.
If we follow the logic being applied, we could soon be looking at community courts for:
• Individuals who commit crimes (DUI, shoplifting, neglect)
• Chronic traffic offenders
• People involved in public fights or bar incidents
• Teens or adults who harass others online
• Repeat animal neglect offenders
• Individuals who commit crimes but say they don’t “agree with the law”
What about next year? Courts for social media influencers? Offenders who were “having a bad day”? People who feel misrepresented politically?
This is not compassionate justice — it’s a road toward legal inconsistency, leniency based on identity, and a breakdown in equal accountability. The justice system must be impartial. Carving out alternate paths for certain offenders undermines public trust and invites abuse.
The answer to community problems is not to dilute the law. It’s to enforce the law fairly, help people access services when needed — and apply the same legal standards to all of us.
Peter Bracchi
Vancouver
Also read:
- Opinion: Let’s make Washington state affordable for everyone
Rep. David Stuebe criticizes state lawmakers’ spending increases and calls for tax relief, budget reforms, and restored funding for essential services across Washington. - Opinion: Legislature agrees to increased spending in Supplemental Budget
Washington lawmakers approved an $80.2 billion supplemental budget, banking on an income tax that is uncertain to withstand legal and electoral tests despite increasing spending beyond revenue projections. - Letter: ‘Only Florida has a more regressive tax structure than Washington’
Washington households earning the least pay 13.8% in taxes, while the wealthiest 1% pay only 4.1%, according to Camas resident Anthony Teso’s letter. - Opinion: ‘I-5 Bridge replacement plan does not accomplish the needs of the project’
Transportation architect Kevin Peterson outlines why the current I-5 Bridge proposal falls short on mobility, urban design, and transit, and offers alternative solutions including BRT and urban integration improvements. - Opinion: Two ways to keep right
Doug Dahl explains how Washington drivers must “keep right” differently depending on whether traffic flows in one direction or both, plus the exceptions that apply to two-way turn lanes.
wpDiscuz
