Sentencing in Canada

Flashcards covering key concepts and terms related to sentencing in Canada, based on the lecture notes.

Imposing a sentence

One of the most difficult tasks faced by judges.

Correctional facility

A place where an offender may enter after sentencing, which could be federal or provincial depending on the crime's nature and severity.

Conditional release

A system that allows the offender to serve the remainder of the sentence in the community under supervision.

Pre-sentence report

A report prepared by a probation officer that describes the offender's situation, including interviews with the offender and others.

Victim impact statement

A statement made in court by the victim or others affected by the offence, describing its impact on their lives.

Deterrence

One of the four main historical goals of punishing offenders, aiming to prevent future crimes.

Rehabilitation

The goal of reintegrating offenders into society and reducing recidivism.

Aggravated circumstances

Circumstances that increase the responsibility of the offender, potentially increasing the penalty.

Conditional sentence

A sentence of less than two years served in the community under supervision, with specific conditions.

Deportation

The removal of a non-citizen offender to their country of origin after committing a serious offence in Canada.

Concurrent sentences

Sentences that are served simultaneously.

Totality principle

The idea that someone convicted of multiple violations should not receive an excessively long total prison term.

Dangerous offender

An offender with a pattern of violent behaviour who receives an indeterminate sentence.

Capital punishment status in Canada after 1976

It was abolished by Parliament.