Degree
Master of Laws
Program
Law
Supervisor
Christopher Sherrin
Abstract
Following the introduction of the Safe Streets and Communities Act, mandatory minimum penalties (MMPs) were greatly expanded in Canadian criminal law. This expansion has been controversial, particularly in the context of drug crime. Through the lens of proposed legislation, Bill C-5, this paper presents the arguments both for and against the use of MMPs in the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, with a particular focus on their potential to produce cruel and unusual punishment. Ultimately, this paper argues that, on account of their many downfalls, MMPs should have no place in Canadian drug law.
Recommended Citation
Hayes, Shelby, "Reforming Canada's Cruel and Unusual Approach to Mandatory Minimum Drug Sentencing" (2022). Master of Laws Research Papers Repository. 15.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/llmp/15