The article, titled "Justice by skin colour", discusses the detrimental impact of race-based sentencing policies on the Canadian justice system. It highlights that since 1982, the statue of Lady Justice in Vancouver, symbolizing impartiality, contrasts sharply with the current trend where the offenders’ racial background influences sentencing. The author contends that such practices compromise the rule of law, emphasizing the need for sentences to reflect the severity of crimes and potential for reoffending rather than being determined by race.

The discussion is framed around a specific incident involving Everton Javaun Downey, who fatally stabbed his girlfriend in a public place. The article cites this case to illustrate the failure of the justice system to maintain fair and equal treatment in sentencing. It implies that the system's leniency towards offenders based on race not only fails the victims but also erodes trust in legal institutions, as justice appears contingent on racial identity rather than the nature of the crime.

The author ultimately calls for a reevaluation of these race-based practices in sentencing, urging policymakers and judges to prioritize justice that is earned through accountability rather than race considerations. This viewpoint raises important questions about the intersections of race, justice, and societal values, calling for a system where justice is uniformly applied without biases related to skin color.