Your path to information on justice in Alberta.

• Author: Footz, Valerie

Alberta Justice's newly unveiled web site (www.gov.ab.ca.just/) is a rich source of legal information for citizens. The redevelopment of the web site began in March of 1999 and the official launch took place on April 25, 2000. According to Lorraine Stillman, Manager, Integrated Customer Services, who oversaw the project, the intent was to take a corporate approach to Internet development. From the design to the content, input was sought from every division of the department. Each step was planned and approved by committees and senior officials. Seemingly straightforward, this site is actually created from a complex database which dynamically manages and publishes the page upon request.

The mission of the site is to "provide Albertans with authoritative information on the administration of justice in Alberta." On the main Justice site, there are 12 paths: What's New!, The Department, Justice & You, Programs & Services, News, Publications, Events, Related Sites, Site Map, FAQs, Contact Us, and Search.

For the purpose of keeping users in touch with the doings of the Department, What's New! and News are the links to follow. What's New! contains three months worth of press releases, publication announcements, and other news. It is compiled from what has been posted on the site. Besides current press releases, News has an archive of releases going back to 1998.

To learn about Alberta Justice and related programs, The Department and Programs & Services should be viewed. The Department has a wealth of information regarding its mandate and its people. Profiles of the Minister and Deputy Minister are provided along with an overview of the department, the latest annual report, and a business plan for 2000-2003. Programs & Services provides links to seven content-rich sub-sites: Crime Prevention -- contains tips for seniors, rural areas, children, and the home as well as Alberta crime statistics;

Criminal Prosecutions -- explains the role of the prosecutor in the criminal process and has brief summaries of current and significant criminal cases from across Canada;

Maintenance Enforcement Program -- has a link to the List of Debtors (a "most wanted" for not paying their support) and information and access to forms for creditors, debtors and employers;

Office of the Chief Medical Examiner -- lists educational events (!) and reports on accidental deaths due to various causes such as carbon monoxide and sports;

Public Trustee -- assists in the...