Should the impact on a crime's victim effect sentencing?
1/6/2009 at 9:09 AM
I found the linked article below from the U of A's student newspaper to be interesting.
They address the topic of victim impact statements in court and how many judges in different provinces feel it should have an impact on sentencing of those convicted of crimes.
Manitoba had a HUGE difference from Alberta, with 47% of our judges saying that the statements are "relevant to the principles of sentencing." This compared to only 12% in Alberta and 36% in BC.
Here's the full story:
http://www.thegatewayonline.ca/articles/opinion/2009/01/06/victims-deserve-a-stronger-voice
What do people think locally? Should how a crime effects it's victim(s) have bearing on what that crime's punishment ends up being? or should sentencing be as consistent as possible, based only on the act committed by the criminal?