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Supreme Court Of Canada Rules Two Harper Era “Tough On Crime” Measures Are Unconstitutional

Saint John, NB, Canada / Country 94
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Apr 15, 2016 | 11:56 AM
Supreme Court Of Canada Rules Two Harper Era "Tough On Crime" Measures Are Unconstitutional


It looks like more of the Harper administration legacy is being dismantled after a Supreme Court decision today.

In a 6 – 3 decision, the Court ruled mandatory minimum sentencing for a drug offence violates the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The ruling went on to say Parliament should narrow the requirements to ensure only those who deserve longer sentences are caught.

Alternatively, the Court suggested the law could be changed to allow judges to reduce the sentence in a case where the mandatory minimum would constitute cruel and unusual punishment.

In a second case, the Court unanimously decided a person denied bail because of prior convictions should be able to receive credit for time served before sentencing.

That overturns a measure introduced by the Harper government in 2009 as part of sentencing reforms.

You can see the entire mandatory minimum sentence ruling below.

 

And below here is the ruling for credit for time served.

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