As part of our work, the CCJA reviews Government legislation for consistency with Canadian values, human rights and research findings. To ensure public safety, we believe criminal law needs to take scientific knowledge into account, and focus on correction over punishment. These articles outline the CCJA’s positions on some of Canadian Criminal Justice’s key topics.
Bios
Executive Committee Andrea Monteiro President Andrea Monteiro is the Founder and Principal of Ethical Correctional Consulting Inc., a social enterprise providing solution-focussed advice on safe and humane, criminal, health, and social justice policy and operations. Prior to establishing ECC in…
Conditional Sentences
Conditional sentencing should be retained and enhanced by expanding its availability, increasing available monitoring resources, emphasizing victim-offender mediation, restitution and public education.
Crime Prevention
Crime prevention that is community based and focuses on addressing the underlying causes of crime should be seen as the primary approach in fighting crime.
Keeping Communities Safe From Crime
Public Safety is best assured by laws anchored in research and based upon humane and equitable principles.
Life Sentences subject to The “Faint Hope Clause”
The “Faint Hope Clause” provides a gradual structured release opportunity for those Lifers who have made all the necessary efforts to change their lives and can safely reintegrate into society as law-abiding productive citizens.
Mandatory Minimum Sentences
Sentences should be based on individual contextual factors relating to each offence, rather than legislated minimum sentences that result in ineffective, expensive, and unduly harsh periods of incarceration.
Pardons (Record Suspension)
All ex-offenders should have the right to apply for a pardon or suspension of a criminal record, after having served their full sentence and having spent a definite period of demonstrated crime-free life in the community.
Parole
The gradual supervised release of offenders who have demonstrated responsibility to change offers the greatest likelihood of successful re-entry and continued safety for the community.
Victims
The reasonable and legitimate needs of victims need to be accommodated while respecting the rights of all parties in the criminal justice system.