Determining a just and appropriate sentence for criminal conduct is an art. Within prescribed statutory limits a Judge is required to consider the general principles and objectives of sentencing, the circumstances of the particular offence and the particular offender, aggravating and mitigating factors, statutory parameters, sentences imposed upon similar offenders for similar offences, the impact upon the victim as well as many other factors. It is this flexibilty within prescribed parameters which permits just, humane and appropriate sentences to be crafted by trained, skilled Judges.
In Canada, judges are bound by strict sentencing laws. Legal columnist Samantha Gold takes a look at them
Source: The Principles Behind the Bench: An Insight into Canada’s Sentencing Laws – Forget The Box