What is an Intermittent Sentence? An intermittent sentence is a sentence of imprisonment that is served on specific days only, as opposed to consecutive days. For an example, a person who is sentenced intermittently could serve their sentence on weekends only. It is...
What is the Fundamental Principle of Sentencing? The Criminal Code states that the fundamental principle, or guiding rule, of sentencing is that “[a] sentence must be proportionate to the gravity of the offence and the degree of responsibility of the offender.” This...
WHAT IS POSSESSION? Definition According to the law a person is in possession of something when she or he has it on their person or knowingly: has another person keeping it for him/her, or has it in a place for his or another person’s benefit. The law also states that...
WHAT IS A CONDITIONAL DISCHARGE? A conditional discharge (not to be confused with a conditional sentence) is a sentence in law that allows a person to be found guilty of an offence without having a conviction registered against him or her. In Canada, a person is not...
Conditional Sentence Order (House Arrest) A conditional sentence order (not to be confused with a conditional discharge) is, in theory, a jail sentence. However, instead of being served in an actual jail, it is served in the community. For this reason, it is commonly...
Drug Trafficking Generally, a person is guilty of trafficking a substance when s/he sells, gives, transports, sends, administers, transfers or delivers the drug. The law that prevents trafficking substances is found in the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA)...