Most offences in the Criminal Code of Canada specify a maximum period of imprisonment, but some specify minimum penalties, such as a second conviction for impaired driving. Another section in the Criminal Code of Canada that outlines an important sentencing principle is section 718.2. This section states that “a sentence should be similar to sentences imposed on similar offenders for similar offences committed in similar circumstances” and also lists aggravating facts. As mentioned above, the purpose and principles set out in the Criminal Code of Canada are the basic framework for sentencing in Canada, and “the discretionary process of navigating and applying the objectives and principles of sentencing in the full context of a cases facts has generally been left to the judges. But, the increasing number of mandatory minimums has resulted in less freedom to do so. MMS are sentences that warrant a certain period of imprisonment for certain offences that judges cannot reduce, regardless of extenuating
Most offences in the Criminal Code of Canada specify a maximum period of imprisonment, but some specify minimum penalties, such as a second conviction for impaired driving. Another section in the Criminal Code of Canada that outlines an important sentencing principle is section 718.2. This section states that “a sentence should be similar to sentences imposed on similar offenders for similar offences committed in similar circumstances” and also lists aggravating facts. As mentioned above, the purpose and principles set out in the Criminal Code of Canada are the basic framework for sentencing in Canada, and “the discretionary process of navigating and applying the objectives and principles of sentencing in the full context of a cases facts has generally been left to the judges. But, the increasing number of mandatory minimums has resulted in less freedom to do so. MMS are sentences that warrant a certain period of imprisonment for certain offences that judges cannot reduce, regardless of extenuating