Fast justice

There is a remarkable difference between the administration of justice on the Dutch side and that on the French side.

Consider this: last Tuesday the crew of a catamaran carrying 52 refugees was intercepted by the French border police. Three days later, on Friday, the crew stood trial in Basse-Terre in Guadeloupe where they were sentenced and immediately sent to prison.

One may well wonder about (or admire) the speed of the investigation and the way defense attorneys prepare such cases.

Compared to the French system, the system on our side of the border moves at a snail’s pace. It usually takes months, if not years, before a case is presented in court.

There is something to say in favor of fast justice, as long as it is fair as well.