In our view: The judiciary ought to follow the example set by Judge Hazen Strange

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Hazen Strange made a difference in New Brunswick in more profound ways that most of us could ever hope to accomplish.

As a prosecutor and as a judge, he worked to keep us all safe, and he did what he could help some unfortunate souls to turn their lives around.

His passing is a deep loss not only for the greater Fredericton region but for the province.

We expect that the memorial service Tuesday at Christ Church Cathedral at 2 p.m. will give new meaning to the phrase "standing room only."

Not only will Frederictonians turn out to honour and remember him, but the province's entire justice system will be represented. We wouldn't be surprised if every courtroom in New Brunswick stands adjourned that afternoon so his peers can gather here to pay tribute to a respected and beloved jurist.

Strange went into semi-retirement a couple of years ago when he was granted supernumerary judge status, but he presided regularly over courtrooms for about 25 years before that. During that time, he was always fair and flexible, but he was also efficient.

Today, local provincial courts are plagued by backlogs. Routine trials are being scheduled six months or more after pleas are entered. In March, trials for some defendants in a major drug case were scheduled into 2009.

We don't imagine such a circumstance would have arisen in Judge Strange's court.

Those whose lives Strange touched will all remember him in their own way.

We would suggest that for his fellow judges, the best way to honour this outstanding man would be to follow the example he set during his time on the bench and redouble their efforts to keep our justice system moving along at a more reasonable pace.

Furthermore, the province could do its part as well, dedicating more resources to ease the burden on the legal system.

With more judges, probation officers and support staff, greater efficiency would be much easier to achieve.