Indictment: The Criminal Justice System on Trial

by Benjamin Perrin

Based on first-hand interviews with survivors, people who have committed offences, and others on the frontlines, Indictment puts the Canadian criminal justice system on trial and proposes a bold new vision of transformative justice. 　 #MeToo. Black Lives Matter. Decriminalize Drugs. No More Stolen Sisters. Stop Stranger Attacks. Do we need more cops or to defund the police? Harm reduction or treatment? Tougher sentences or prison abolition? The debate about Canada’s criminal justice system has rarely been so polarized – or so in need of fresh ideas. Indictment brings the heartrending and captivating stories of survivors and people who have committed offences to the forefront to help us understand why the criminal justice system is facing such an existential crisis. Benjamin Perrin draws on his expertise as a lawyer, former top criminal justice advisor to the prime minister, and law clerk at the Supreme Court of Canada to investigate the criminal justice system itself. Indictment critiques the system from a trauma-informed perspective, examining its treatment of victims of crime, Indigenous people and Black Canadians, people with substance use and mental health disorders, and people experiencing homelessness, poverty, and unemployment. Perrin also shares insights from others on the frontlines, including prosecutors and defence lawyers, police chiefs, Indigenous leaders, victim support workers, corrections officers, public health experts, gang outreach workers, prisoner and victims’ rights advocates, criminologists, psychologists, and leading trauma experts. Bringing forward the voices of marginalized people, along with their stories of survival and resilience, Indictment shows that a better way is possible.

Genres: Nonfiction, Mental Health

408 pages, Hardcover

First published October 3, 2023

Reviews

[Cleo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book calls to attention the flaws of our inherently racist criminal justice system in the Canadian context, one which is often considered an "exception" to anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism because of the constant comparison to the US. We must never forget that we live in our unjust settler-colonial society. The myth of Canadian exceptionalism is shattered within this book, full of rich interviews of the people who endure and undergo this systemic racism themselves, as well as well-grounded research by various fellow academics. My area of study pertains to this so this book reads easily, but it also works well as an introduction for anyone who wants to understand Canadian criminal justice and how it harms more than helps.

"I do think that the existing system, as structured, will continue to disadvantage racialized persons by the very nature of its mandates. And I think that that is something that is linked to the mandate of policing systems in the western context [...] They're designed to reproduce order and they're designed to reproduce the existing order. They're designed to maintain the status quo." (pg.134)

[Sophia Navarro Barron · Rating 5 out of 5]

In part 1, Perrin presents an in-depth analysis of the myriad of issues in the Canadian criminal justice system with supporting evidence from interviews with those intimately affected by the system's failures. Whereas in Part 2, he proposes an overhaul of said system based on emulating existing programs in Saskatchewen, Oregon, and Norway while also maintaining First Nation's and Canadian perspectives at the forefront. He points out that a transition to humane and trauma-informed criminal justice system will not only improve the lives of those who come in touch with, but also victims, save taxpayers money, etc. As usual politics will be a barrier to this transition but supporting it is essential for the improvement of Canada's justice system.

I really enjoyed the author's ability to present this hard topic with bluntness and no sugar coating but humanity and empathy.

[Renee]

I listened to Benjamin Perrin at a Restorative Justice conference last year and really enjoyed some of his notes and perspectives - a previous advisor for a conservation government in Canada for tough on crime laws to transformative justice advocate. His perspectives are great, although being in the system sometimes it's harder to hear or expect huge changes. Always interesting to see what changes could be made - he did use real examples for other jurisdictions to put things in perspective.

[amber 𐙚 🐇 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly well researched and a very empathetic approach towards everyone involved in the book. Really broadened my worldview and understanding of the present and potential future of Canada’s justice system. Highly recommend!!

[Delphine Rathe · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was very good. However, I think it focuses a lot on the treatment and reality of Indigenous people in the justice system, which is fine, but I don't think the book really covered the Criminal Justice System in general. The title was a bit misleading in that sense in my opinion. But still, a very interesting book!

[Jacob Goldis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is truly incredible and provides a comprehensive and detailed outlook on transforming our justice system. There’s only one problem: our government and politicians aren’t ready for it. I feel pessimistic towards this novel’s suggestions, not because they are bad, but because I’m not sure if we will ever be able to steer away from the “tough on crime” approach. At least not anytime soon.

[Stephwereley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this for work, but I chose it because I wanted to learn more about calls to 'Defund the police.' The author interviews lawyers, legal scholars, and those who've gone through the Canadian justice system. It should be required reading for all Canadians.

[Rajpreet]

I think I wanted more out of this book? It was an overview of what marginalized person knew about the courts/jail/police but maybe I wasn’t the intended audience. Also in part 2 was didn’t answer why none of these changes will ever happen (because a state will never destroy itself).

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not only deconstructs the myriad problems with our current systems, but takes a good run at constructing better alternatives. A solid and well-supported narrative.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

i was in search of a canadian equivalent to the new jim crow, and i really learned a lot from this book. read this cover to cover on a plane.

[Susi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars - author asks readers to look at new ways to deliver restorative style justice vs status quo, which is clearly not working.

[Tina Fumo-Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prof. Perrin is so thorough in explaining what is wrong with the 'justice' system, using both first hand and academic descriptions of gaps in the system. It is incredibly informative and eye-opening with not just what's happening, but also with possible solutions. He is very well informed about other projects happening within Canada and elsewhere, which are trauma-informed and transformative.

[Sarah Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the many stories, stats and news on the criminal justice system in the United States, this is a refreshing read about the criminal justice system in Canada and its challenges specific to Canada’s history and demographics. It’s incredibly researched and feels more like a community project than a singular authors perspective. It’s humanistic and incredibly complex and demands to be read.