National Newswatch: Canada's most comprehensive site for political news and views. Make it a daily habit.
OTTAWA — The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled that a mandatory minimum sentence of four years for firing a gun at a house is unconstitutional on the basis it could amount to cruel and unusual punishment.
Hills had consumed large amounts of prescription medication and alcohol and said he did not remember the events. "The mandatory minimum cannot be justified by deterrence and denunciation alone, and the punishment shows a complete disregard for sentencing norms," Justice Sheilah Martin wrote on behalf of a majority of the court.
The first offence, robbery committed with a restricted or prohibited firearm, carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Mandatory minimum sentence for firing a gun at a house is unconstitutional, Supreme Court rulesThe decision comes in the case of Jesse Dallas Hills, who pleaded guilty to four charges stemming from a May 2014 incident in Lethbridge, Alta.
Read more »
Mandatory minimum penalty for firing gun at house unconstitutional: Supreme CourtOTTAWA — The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled that a mandatory minimum sentence of four years for firing a gun at a house is unconstitutional. The dec
Read more »
Supreme Court ruling Friday could change how mandatory minimum sentences are handledSupreme Court to rule on use of hypothetical ‘invented scenarios’ - that if a sentence would be cruel and unusual punishment for one person, it cannot stand - in sentencing decisions
Read more »
Stepping on Rakes | National NewswatchNational Newswatch: Canada's most comprehensive site for political news and views. Make it a daily habit.
Read more »
Today in Canada’s Political History: Birth of the Right Honourable Martial Asselin | National NewswatchNational Newswatch: Canada's most comprehensive site for political news and views. Make it a daily habit.
Read more »
No more expensing home internet bills to taxpayers, Pierre Poilievre’s caucus told | National NewswatchNational Newswatch: Canada's most comprehensive site for political news and views. Make it a daily habit.
Read more »