An Act to amend the Criminal Code (independence of the judiciary)
Bill S-208 (45-1) is a Senate Private Member's Bill, the reintroduction of the 44th Parliament's S-213, to give judges more discretion over sentencing. It would let a court depart from a mandatory minimum penalty where doing so would be just and reasonable, after considering all other options, with written reasons. Supporters argue mandatory minimums tie judges' hands and contribute to the over-incarceration of Indigenous and Black offenders.
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Would give judges a 'safety valve' to depart from a mandatory minimum sentence where it would be just and reasonable, with written reasons. The reintroduction of the 44th Parliament's S-213; supporters say mandatory minimums worsen the over-incarceration of Indigenous and Black offenders.
Issues this bill touches
- Democratic Renewal & Electoral Reform
Criminal Code on independence of the judiciary (Senate).
Legislative history
- First reading
First reading in the Senate.
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Official source
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