Sentencing Principles in the Canadian Criminal Justice System | DefendCharges.Lawyer


Last Updated: August 23 2026

Question:How do general and specific deterrence affect sentencing in Ontario criminal cases?

Answer:In Ontario criminal sentencing, a court applies deterrence principles to help decide a fit penalty: general deterrence aims to discourage the public from committing similar offences, while specific deterrence targets preventing the convicted person from reoffending;  if you are facing sentencing or appeal-related next steps, DefendCharges.Lawyer can help you prepare arguments focused on accountability, rehabilitation, and reduced reoffending risk through a lawyer-led review of your case record and sentencing submissions;  call (647) 977-5997 for a FREE 1/2 hour consultation with a criminal lawyer from Mississauga and surrounding Ontario.

Add this website to Google Preferred Sources


#


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.

Note: Please contact DefendCharges.Lawyer by phone at: (647) 977-5997 to discuss any specific questions that you may have.

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.

Get a FREE ½ HOUR CONSULTATION

At
Our Desk Now!
Need Help? Let's Get Started Today

NOTE: Do not send confidential information through the web form.  Use the web form only for your introduction.   Learn Why?
5

AR, BN, CA+|EN, DT, ES, FA, FR, GU, HE, HI
IT, KO, PA, PT, RU, TA, TL, UK, UR, VI, ZH
Send a Message to: DefendCharges.Lawyer

NOTE: Do not send confidential details about your case.  Using this website does not establish a legal-representative/client relationship.  Use the website for your introduction with DefendCharges.Lawyer. 
Privacy Policy & Cookies | Terms of Use Your IP Address is: 216.73.216.180
Mississauga Office

90 Matheson Boulevard W., Suite 101
Mississauga, Ontario,
L5R 3R3

P: (647) 977-5997

Mailing Address

1822 Whites Road, Suite 134
Pickering, Ontario,
L1V 0B1

P: (647) 977-5997

Hours of Business:

09:00AM - 09:00PM
09:00AM - 09:00PM
09:00AM - 09:00PM
09:00AM - 09:00PM
09:00AM - 09:00PM
09:00AM - 09:00PM
09:00AM - 09:00PM
Sunday:
Monday:
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday:

Providing Legal Help Within These Areas and More:

Among other areas in Ontario, Canada

Application Hosted on Microsoft Azure Cloud Web Servers | Analytics by Google
Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate is a service provided by the Internet Security Research Group (ISRG)
All names, trademarks and/or logos are those of their respective owners.

This webpage was served on: September 16 2026 at 03:11:31PM Eastern.

.




Assistive Controls:  |   |  A A A