Chapter 9 Sentencing and Parole in Canada

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to sentencing and parole in Canada as discussed in Chapter 9.

Sentencing Disparity

Variations in sentencing severity for similar crimes committed under similar circumstances.

Specific Deterrence

Sentencing aimed at reducing the likelihood that an individual offender will commit future crimes.

General Deterrence

Sentencing aimed at reducing the likelihood that members of the public will commit crimes.

Probation

A sentencing option that allows an offender to be released into the community under specified conditions.

Restitution

A sentence where the offender is required to compensate the victim for the harm or loss caused by the crime.

Conditional Sentence

A sentence served in the community under specific conditions, often instead of imprisonment.

Bill C-41

Legislation that emphasizes the consideration of alternatives to incarceration, especially for Aboriginal offenders.

Gladue Report

A report that provides context about an Indigenous offender's background to assist in sentencing.

Restorative Justice

An approach focusing on repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior through meetings between offenders and victims.

Indigenous Overrepresentation

The disproportionate representation of Indigenous individuals in the Canadian criminal justice system.

Parole Board of Canada (PBC)

The agency responsible for making parole decisions in Canada.

Statutory Release

The mandatory release of most federal inmates after serving two-thirds of their sentence.

Full Parole

A form of parole permitting offenders to serve the remainder of their sentence in the community under supervision.

Temporary Absence

A form of parole allowing offenders to leave the institution for specific activities or programs.

Psychological Harm

The emotional or mental damage inflicted on victims as a result of a crime.

Four-Tier Court System

The hierarchical structure of courts in Canada based on their jurisdiction and level of legal authority.

Aggravating Circumstances

Factors that increase the severity or culpability of a criminal act, often leading to harsher sentences.

Mitigating Circumstances

Factors that can lessen the perceived severity of a crime or the culpability of the offender.

Administrative Tribunals

Bodies that resolve disputes over administrative issues but are not part of the formal court system.

Sentencing Guidelines

Recommendations aimed at promoting consistency and fairness in sentencing decisions.

Community Service

A sentencing option requiring offenders to perform a certain number of hours of work in the community as a penalty.

Absolute Discharge

A sentence where the offender is found guilty but does not receive a criminal record.

Conditional Discharge

A sentence allowing the offender to remain in the community under specific conditions, after which they can receive an absolute discharge.

Judicial Determination

The process through which a judge decides on the legal consequences for a convicted individual.