The Chief Justice of Quebec Superior Court says a Supreme Court decision this summer which limits the time someone accused of a crime waits for a trial has stretched the Quebec court system to the point that murder suspects may be set free without ever going to trial.
In July, the Supreme Court ruled that delays longer that 18 months in Provincial Court and 30 months in Superior Court are grounds to dismiss the case.
In an interview with the Journal de Montreal Superior Court Chief Justice Jacques R. Fournier says the Quebec court system is completely overwhelmed right now.
There are currently 70 cases pending where the defence has asked for a stay of proceedings, and half of those involve murder suspects.
Fournier says the only solution is more funding from the government.
He says currently he has moved judges from hearing civil cases to the criminal side but that has caused longer delays in civil cases.
Fournier describes the situation as a crisis that has undermined the public's confidence in the justice system.