NCJ Number
126194
Date Published
1990
Length
438 pages
Annotation
This information package contains proposals for the reform of sentencing, corrections, and conditional release in Canada.
Abstract
The proposed reforms are designed to bring more fairness, clarity, and consistency to Canada's criminal justice system. Among the proposals are the establishment of a Sentencing and Parole Commission to develop sentencing guidelines and review parole policies, the establishment of sentencing procedures in the Criminal Code, and the creation of a new Corrections Act to govern Federal penitentiaries. Proposed changes to parole would establish longer minimum incarceration periods, including later parole eligibility dates, to be determined by the sentencing judge for certain violent and serious drug offenders. Proposed changes would also include streamlining the review process for low-risk, nonviolent offenders. Amendments to the Parole Act would make the risk of reoffending and public safety the paramount consideration in all conditional release decisions. It is envisioned that the reforms will result in a coordinated and coherent criminal justice policy that reflects current societal needs and provides direction for the future. References