Sentencing Principles in the Canadian Criminal Justice System

Question: What are the principles of sentencing in Canada?

Answer: The principles of sentencing, which include general and specific deterrence, guide the punishment of offenders while promoting accountability and discouraging future crime. Understanding these principles can empower you to make informed decisions about your legal situation.

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Principles of Sentencing

The principles of sentencing are an important part of the Canadian criminal justice system. Sentencing is the process of determining the appropriate punishment for an individual who has been convicted of a criminal offence. There are several principles that guide sentencing decisions, including general and specific deterrence.

General Deterrence

General deterrence is the idea that by punishing an offender, other people will be discouraged from committing similar crimes. The goal of general deterrence is to create a society where crime is less likely to occur. This is done by sending a message to the public that criminal behaviour will not be tolerated and that there are consequences for breaking the law.

Specific Deterrence

Specific deterrence is the idea that by punishing an offender, the individual will be discouraged from committing similar crimes in the future. The goal of specific deterrence is to prevent the offender from committing the same crime again. This is done by sending a message to the offender that criminal behaviour will not be tolerated and that there are consequences for breaking the law.

Summary Comment

General and specific deterrence are important principles in the Canadian criminal justice system. They are used to ensure that offenders are held accountable for their actions and that the public is aware of the consequences of criminal behaviour.